Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged the government to outsource visa processing to a third-party service provider, arguing that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lacks the capacity to effectively screen foreigners entering the Philippines. In his appearance on DZRH, Remulla emphasized that visa issuance is an immigration matter under the Department of Justice (DOJ), not the DFA. He stated that the DFA should focus on its diplomatic role rather than engaging in business activities related to visa processing. Remulla criticized the DFA for allegedly turning visa issuance into a revenue-generating business through travel agencies, claiming that the department has been generating substantial income from this practice. He specifically mentioned VFS Global, a private company that assists governments with visa application processes, as a suitable alternative for handling visa processing. Remulla argued that visa processing is a clerical task that the Philippines lacks the capacity to manage effectively in other countries, making third-party outsourcing a more efficient solution. The Ombudsman's comments come in response to reports that the DFA is reviewing its policy on visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, which some believe may have contributed to the growth of Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities. Remulla also expressed concern that the DFA has forgotten its primary role as diplomats, instead prioritizing business interests. He called for the DFA to be stripped of its role in visa processing, stating that the department should no longer assume automatic responsibility for this function. GMA News Online has sought comment from the DFA on these remarks but has not yet received a response. The Ombudsman's proposal highlights ongoing debates about the efficiency and accountability of government agencies in managing immigration processes.

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