Question & AnswerQ&A (DSWD DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 03)
The guidelines aim to protect minors against exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and other conditions prejudicial to their development while travelling abroad, prevent child trafficking, ensure the travelling companion is authorized and can care for the minor, and provide mechanisms to effectively implement RA 7610.
Minors who are travelling alone, travelling with someone other than their parents or legal guardians, minors travelling for intercountry adoption, minors adopted in the Philippines, illegitimate children travelling with their father, and minors travelling in groups for competitions or cultural presentations are required to secure a travel clearance.
A Travel Clearance is a document issued by the DSWD certifying that a minor is authorized to travel abroad based on the assessment of a social worker, ensuring the child's protection and valid reasons for travel.
The Parental Travel Permit is a notarized written permission from one parent allowing a minor to travel abroad with the other parent, especially when one parent will stay behind. It must be filed with the DSWD Field Office prior to the child's travel.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 11 and Article 35) and Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination mandate travel clearances to prevent child trafficking and unlawful removal of children abroad.
Functions include assisting unaccompanied minors, providing counseling to traveling or off-loaded minors, disseminating information on travel clearance requirements, and maintaining coordination with DSWD Field Offices and other agencies for efficient service delivery.
Both the Travel Clearance and the Parental Travel Permit are valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance and effective for only one travel.
The social worker reviews documents, conducts interviews with the minor and relevant persons, may perform a home visit for validation, assesses the purpose and circumstances of travel, and if favorable, recommends approval or refers the case for further assessment or denial.
The social worker discusses the reasons with the applicant, prepares a report to the DSWD Field Office, and requests the Bureau of Immigration to include the minor in their watchlist within seven days of receipt.
The DSWD maintains close coordination with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies to effectively implement protection measures for minors travelling abroad.