President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has backed the recommendation of his Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) for easier visa applications for foreign students and tourists in the Philippines, including allowing the online submission of student visa applications. Marcos has suggested removing medical requirements for foreign student visa applicants. In a statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said among PSAC’s recommendations were the standardization of information application procedure on student visa requirements. Garafil said PSAC also recommended the accreditation of clinics for medical clearance and certificate requirements for foreign students. Garafil pointed out that student visa processing takes about two months in the Philippines, the longest processing period among its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 25, 2023 22:21 UTC