Authority to Issue Travel Documents
- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is empowered to issue travel documents to refugees lawfully staying in the Philippines to facilitate their travel outside Philippine territory.
- Issuance of travel documents is subject to prescribed guidelines and conditions.
Conditions and Restrictions on Issuance of Travel Documents
- No travel document shall be issued without a favorable recommendation from TFRAA.
- The DFA may require other necessary documents before issuance.
- The DFA can refuse to issue travel documents if there are compelling reasons related to national security or public order.
- Special consideration should be given to refugees unable to obtain travel documents from their country of lawful residence.
Format and Legal Basis for Travel Documents
- Travel documents issued shall conform to the specimen annexed to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees.
- Such documents are subject to the provisions of the "Schedule" attached to the 1951 Convention.
Legal Compliance and Effectivity
- The Order implements the Philippines’ obligations as a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, particularly Articles 27, 28, and 35.
- This Executive Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.
Underlying Legal and International Obligations
- The Philippines acknowledges its duty under the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol relating to refugees.
- The country commits to cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and any successors in supervising the application of refugee protections.
- National security and public order considerations may override the issuance of travel documents as necessary.