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24/7 help desks installed for Filipino minors with travel clearance concerns

24/7 help desks installed for Filipino minors with travel clearance concerns

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

PRETRAVEL REMINDER The transportation department advised passengers flying abroad to always check the validity and condition of their passport before their flights. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
(INQUIRER file photo)



MANILA, Philippines — Some 24/7 help desks were set up in the country’s major international airports to assist Filipino minors with travel clearance concerns, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD Assistant Secretary Ada Colico said a help desk for minors traveling abroad (MTA) was first installed at the Davao International Airport last July 29.

Another help desk was launched at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on July 31, and another at the Clark International Airport on August 5.

“The MTA help desk is designed to provide in-person assistance for urgent concerns regarding travel clearance for minors who have been offloaded or prevented from boarding their flights due to documentary problems,” Colico said in a statement on Monday.

She explained the importance of travel clearance, which is a requirement for minors (individuals below 18 years old) traveling outside the Philippines who are not accompanied by any of their parents or legal guardians.

Colico pointed out that this would help the government prevent child trafficking and is a requirement under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.

“We continue to remind parents or guardians to properly secure travel clearance for children traveling outside the country ahead of time. This document is vital to ensure the safety of Filipino kids who are visiting relatives abroad, or studying, or attending competitions overseas,” she stressed.

DSWD said that applicants may process their MTA clearance through this online system link: https://mta.dswd.gov.ph/ or via the eGov PH mobile application

They may also use the eGov PH mobile application. /apl

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