Are you a Filipino resident in the UAE who wants to sponsor a relative for a visit? While obtaining a tourist visa may seem like a straightforward process in the UAE, presenting an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) to Philippine immigration is a crucial step for your relative to be allowed to travel directly to the UAE.
Also Read: How to Avoid Getting Offloaded in PH Immigration
This additional requirement may seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be smooth and hassle-free. In this article, we will guide you on how to obtain an ASG at PCG Dubai, so you can confidently bring your loved ones to experience the wonders of the UAE.
Contents
- What is the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG)?
- Eligibility
- How to Apply for an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai
- Payment and Collection
- Tips when requesting an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) at PCG Dubai
- Video: Affidavit of Support at Philippine Consulate General Dubai
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG)?
- 2. Who is eligible to apply for an ASG?
- 3. Where can I process an ASG?
- 4. When should I process an ASG?
- 5. What documents are required to process an ASG?
- 6. How long does it take to process an ASG?
- 7. How much does it cost to process an ASG?
- 8. Can I apply for an ASG online?
- Final Thoughts
What is the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG)?
The Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) is an important document required by Philippine immigration for Filipinos traveling directly to the UAE, especially for those who cannot establish their financial capacity. This document serves as a guarantee that a Filipino sponsor in the UAE will support and take care of their relative during their stay.
The ASG is authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate and is often a prerequisite for processing visit visa applications for family members. The strict enforcement of this requirement aims to prevent trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and other related offenses, as many victims of illegal recruitment have arrived in the UAE on visit or tourist visas.
Eligibility
To apply for an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) at PCG Dubai, you must be a Filipino resident in the UAE who wishes to sponsor a relative for a visit to the UAE. Below are the basic requirements for applicants:
- Valid identification documents:
- A valid passport or Emirates ID
- Proof of relationship:
- A birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document that proves the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.
- Financial documents:
- Proof of financial capacity, such as bank statements or proof of employment and income of at least AED 10,000 (minimum to sponsor 1 person).
- Letter of invitation:
- A letter of invitation from the sponsor addressed to the sponsored person, indicating the purpose and duration of the visit.
It’s important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the application, and additional documents may be requested by PCG Dubai. It is recommended to check the PCG Dubai website or contact their office for more information before submitting an application.
How to Apply for an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai
- Pre-screening: All applications will undergo a pre-screening process to determine if the applicant meets the qualifications and if all the required documents are complete.
- Online registration: ASG applicants are encouraged to register their application and upload their documents through the consulate’s portal: https://dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/affidavit-of-support-and-guarantee-online-pre-assessment-system.
- Evaluation: The submitted documents will be evaluated within three business days, and qualified applicants will be notified of the confirmed appointment date via email. If additional documentation is required, the applicant will also be notified via email.
- Appointment: On the day of the appointment, applicants are required to present original documents and submit duplicate copies.
The processing time for the ASG application may vary depending on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents. However, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has announced that the submitted documents will be evaluated within three business days. Therefore, applicants can expect to receive an appointment date via email within this time frame if they meet the qualifications and submit all the required documents.
Payment and Collection
Fees:
- The fee for an ASG at PCG Dubai is AED 100 per document, but the appointment for this document is FREE.
- Additional fees may apply for expedited processing and notary services.
Payment Options:
- Applicants can pay the ASG fee in cash at the Consulate’s Cashier Section.
- For applicants who cannot personally go to the Consulate, they can authorize a representative to pay on their behalf.
Collection Process:
- Applicants will receive an SMS notification from PCG Dubai once their ASG is ready for collection.
- Applicants can collect their ASG personally or authorize a representative to collect on their behalf.
- To collect the ASG, applicants must bring their original receipt, valid ID, and authorization letter (if applicable).
- Collection can be done at the Consulate’s Authentication Section during designated hours.
- For applicants who cannot personally collect the ASG, they can opt for courier service. Applicants need to provide a prepaid courier envelope with their address and contact details.
It is important to note that ASGs are valid for a period of six months from the date of issuance. Applicants are encouraged to double-check all details on the ASG before leaving the Consulate. Any errors or discrepancies should be reported immediately to avoid delays or complications in the future.
Tips when requesting an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) at PCG Dubai
- Ensure that you meet the criteria for being a sponsor, including being an immediate family member of the visit visa applicant and meeting the salary requirements.
- Make sure that the applicant is an acceptable relative scheme and within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity.
- Apply for the ASG only after the approved visit visa is released.
- Do not fall for travel agencies selling fake ASG and process the ASG only through the Philippine consulate or embassy.
- Prepare all the necessary documents, including two copies of the ASG form, two sets of passport photocopies for the sponsor and the visa applicant, salary certificate of the sponsor with company stamp, original visit visa, and copies of trade license and housing lease contract of the sponsor.
- Double-check that all the documents are complete and correct before submitting them to the notary window for processing.
- Pay the ASG notary fee and courier fee if applicable.
- If opting for courier delivery, make sure to provide accurate and complete delivery details.
- Wait for a maximum of 7 days for the ASG to be processed.
- Keep a record of the ASG and all relevant documents for future reference and use.
By keeping these tips in mind, applicants can ensure a smooth and successful process of obtaining an ASG at PCG Dubai.
Video: Affidavit of Support at Philippine Consulate General Dubai
Here’s a video that discusses the basic requirements needed to obtain an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. If you are a Filipino resident who plans to sponsor a relative in the Philippines to visit the UAE for tourism purposes, then this video will provide you with the necessary information to get started.
It covers the eligibility criteria and the required documents associated with obtaining an ASG. By the end of this video, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to obtain an ASG and be well on your way to bringing your loved ones to the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG)?
An Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) is a document required by the Philippine immigration for Filipinos who plan to travel to the UAE for tourism purposes. It is a guarantee that a sponsor in the UAE will support the visit visa applicant during their stay in the UAE.
2. Who is eligible to apply for an ASG?
The sponsor applying for the ASG must be an immediate family member of the visit visa applicant, and they should have a monthly salary of not less than 10,000 AED + accommodation. The applicant must also be within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity.
3. Where can I process an ASG?
The ASG must be processed in the Philippine consulate or embassy. It is important to be careful with travel agencies selling fake ASG.
4. When should I process an ASG?
The sponsor needs to process the ASG after the approved visit visa is released.
5. What documents are required to process an ASG?
The required documents include two copies of the ASG form, two sets of passport photocopies of the sponsor and visa applicant, a salary certificate of the sponsor with a company stamp, the original visit visa and two photocopies, a copy of the trade license of the travel agency facilitating the visit visa, and a copy of the housing lease contract of the sponsor.
6. How long does it take to process an ASG?
The processing time for an ASG is a maximum of seven days.
7. How much does it cost to process an ASG?
The fee for processing an ASG is 100 AED, and there is an additional courier fee of 15 AED if the applicant wishes to have the document delivered.
8. Can I apply for an ASG online?
Currently, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai does not offer online application services for an ASG. Applicants must physically go to the consulate or embassy to process their ASG.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you are a Filipino resident in the UAE who wants to sponsor a relative for a visit, don’t let the additional requirement of an ASG discourage you. With the guidelines we have provided, you now have a clear understanding of the basic requirements and steps to take in order to obtain an ASG at PCG Dubai.
Remember to carefully follow the process, be aware of the fees and payment options, and make sure to avoid fake ASGs sold by travel agencies. With these tips in mind, you can successfully bring your loved ones to the UAE and create memorable experiences together.