The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday warned Filipinos who are planning to visit Hong Kong to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals and companies that issue fake entry and exit immigration stamps following the imprisonment of a Filipina who was found guilty of having fake immigration stamps in her passport.

“Possession of a false instrument is an offense under Section 75 of Hong Kong's Crimes Ordinance, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment,” the DFA warned.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have Hong Kong entry and exit immigration stamps reportedly found it easier to apply to other countries, mostly as caregivers.

“Filipinos should be aware that embassies report fraudulent visa application documents to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” it said.

According to the DFA, a Filipina from Batangas province was arrested last October 28 by the immigration authorities at the Hong Kong International Airport due to fake entry and exit immigration stamps that showed previous travels to the former British colony.