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PHL allows entry of Canadian evacuees from Japan


Canadians traveling only with emergency travel documents would be allowed to enter the Philippines if Japan announces an expansion of its evacuation zone, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement the Canadian government had asked the Aquino administration to accommodate its nationals should the radiation leaks continue to affect wider areas. "For humanitarian reasons and as an affirmation of our friendship with Canada, the Aquino administration decided to waive the requirement for Canadians to show regular passports upon arrival," Del Rosario said. The submission of emergency travel documents "would be enough" for them to enter the Philippines, he added. Canada had mapped out contingency plans for moving its nationals out of harm's way in Japan, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration said it is amenable to Canada's request. "We will allow Canadian nationals to stay in the country until the embassy's consular section is able to issue a regular or temporary Canadian passport," it said. The DFA noted that like the Philippine electronic passport, Canadian passports are printed in one central location, and it takes up to 15 days to be released.—JE/JV, GMA News

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