South Korea simplifies visa application process ---- By GMA Integrated News

Filipinos seeking to visit South Korea may now get their visas easier as the South Korea Embassy in the Philippines announced the simplification of visa application documents until the end of the year. The Embassy said the following visa applicants may avail of the eased visa application starting Thursday, February 1, to December 31, 2024: 1. Credit card holders Only applicable for BDO Gold or BDO Elite credit card (excluding supplementary credit card); and Their immediate family members (parents, spouse, minor children, adult children who can prove to be students through documents, and spouse's parents) They must submit an original certificate of employment, copy of credit card (front only with complete information), and copies of the latest three months of credit card account monthly billing statements. The submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for credit card holders and their family members. Other documents such as proof of relationship are required. 2. Professional license holders Only applicable for those holding a valid Professional Regulation Commission license ID (IBP ID for lawyers), with a profession of physician, dentist, lawyer (including judge and prosecutor), Certified Public Accountant, pharmacist, or veterinarian; and Their immediate family members Requirements include an original certificate of employment and copy of PRC license ID or IBP ID. Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are also exempted for professional license holders and their family members, but they have to present other documents like proof of relationship. 3. Elected politicians Only applicable for members of the Senate and Congress, governors, provincial board members, and mayors of city or municipality; and Their immediate family members They have to submit original identification documents such as a certificate of employment or certificate of appointment. 4. Government officials Only applicable for persons with a rank higher or equal to Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government, and Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or Philippine National Police (excluding those in acting duties); and Their immediate family members They also need to present an original certificate of employment. The Embassy said it is also necessary for them to clearly specify the affiliated organization, working period, position, and salary. If the relevant information is omitted or cannot be verified due to a lack of contact with HR, disadvantages may be given to the applicant. Submission of bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR are exempted for the abovementioned visa applicants and their family members. However, other documents such as proof of relationship, are required. The Embassy also noted that only the stated financial documents can be exempted or replaced, and other general required documents must still be submitted. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News

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