The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against unscrupulous issuance of travel clearance for minors travelling abroad, following complaints that some individuals are taking advantage of innocent applicants for a fee.

Reacting on complaints received by the DSWD, Secretary Esperanza Cabral reiterated that travel clearance for a minor travelling abroad is issued only by the DSWD regional offices where the application is submitted.

According to Cabral, even the social welfare and development offices of the local government units are not authorized to issue travel clearance for children and minors.

The issuance of a travel clearance is intended to prevent child trafficking among minors below 18 years of age who are travelling abroad with or without a companion.

“Only DSWD regional offices are authorized to issue the travel clearance which will certify that the child, not in the company of biological parents, is authorized to travel abroad for valid reasons based on the assessment of a social worker,” Cabral pointed out.

The requirements for application of travel clearance are: Duly accomplished application form; photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor; a written consent of both parents, the solo parent, or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country; photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents, or certificates establishing solo parenthood; two colored passport size photos of the minors taken within the last six months.

The travel permit may be obtained within three working days provided that all requirements have been fulfilled.

Applicants may secure the permits from the DSWD field office where the application is submitted.

Meanwhile, for subsequent travels, the requirements are duly-accomplished application form, written consent of both parents, the solo parent, or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country, a photocopy of the previous travel clearance; and two colored passport size photos.

The travel clearance shall be valid for multiple travels within the one-year validity period, provided that the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued have not changed. If a change in condition occurs, like change of travelling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.

Those who do not need a travel clearance are: 1. A minor travelling abroad whose parents are in foreign service or are living abroad provided, the child is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa, permanent resident visa or card which can prove that the child is living with parents abroad; and 2. A minor travelling abroad with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian.