DFA: Stay away from illegal guesthouses in Macau

Filipino travelers were warned against staying in illegal guesthouses in Macau, after local authorities outlawed such facilities. The Philippine Consulate General in Macau said the Macau Legislative Assembly's act seeks to prevent criminal activity and ensure observance of safety and health standards. The consulate said the Macau government has been campaigning against illegal guesthouses. "In light of this recent law, travelers are advised to verify their accommodation arrangements beforehand and to ensure that they will be staying in authorized hotels, guest houses or inns," Philippine Consul General to Macau Jaime Victor Ledda said in an article on the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.gov.ph). The DFA said the Legislative Assembly passed the act last January 7. It said administrative and criminal sanctions can be imposed on offenders such as hefty fines from US$25,000 (P1.147 million) to US$100,000 (P4.588 million) on persons who operate illegal inns. Prison terms from two to eight years await those who accommodate or are responsible for illegal residents, the DFA added. It cautions travelers from staying at illegal inns because they face greater risks of injury and disease, since these places are unlikely to be properly constructed and are probably crowded and unhygienic. Travelers may also be vulnerable to property loss and even arrest, in view of inadequate security measures. These inns are usually associated with unlawful activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and overstaying. Must have return ticket home Ledda urged tourists, particularly those heading for Macau, to check that their passports are valid for more than six months and that they possess a valid visa. He said they must also have a return ticket and not just a booking to the Philippines within the allowed period of stay, as well as sufficient funds for accommodation and daily expenses for the duration of the trip. The DFA also said those claiming to have employment in their place of destination are strongly advised to have their work documents verified and validated by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) before they leave the Philippines. "If the traveler is unable to present proof of POEA-processed employment documents, hotel bookings, or roundtrip tickets, he or she is recommended to secure an affidavit of support from relatives, friends or sponsoring entities duly notarized at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General," the DFA said. - HGS, GMANews.TV