The rules in getting affidavits of supports for Filipinos who wish to sponsor relatives coming as tourists to the United Arab Emirates has been revised.
An affidavit of support is a document by a sponsor guaranteeing the Philippine embassy or consulate in the UAE that he or she will provide financial support relative coming over, including costs of board and lodging. While this document is neither a requirement imposed by the UAE nor the Philippine government, Filipino travelers resort to using them to show immigration officers in Manila their eligibility to travel to the UAE.
According to the Philippine embassy in an advisory posted in February:
1. Filipinos can only sponsor relatives up to fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity:
- spouse
- parent
- child
- sibling
- grandparent
- grandchildren
- uncle
- aunt
- niece
- nephew
- first cousin
- in-laws
Authenticated birth certificates and/or marriage certificates should support such claims.
2. Only those with monthly income of more than AED 3,500 can sponsor relatives traveling to the UAE. Holders of servant’s visa, nanny or family driver visa are not eligible to sponsor relatives.
3. Full list of requirements:
a) Authenticated birth or marriage certificates to prove relationship with person being sponsored;
b) Passport copy of the Affiant (sponsor) and the Visitor/Tourist;
c) Salary certificate of the applicant, duly stamped by the company and on the company letterhead, must be presented. Minimum salary Dh3,500;
d) Copy of the trade licence of the travel agency or the company facilitating the tourist visa;
e) Copy of the tourist visa, and
f) Copy of hotel booking. If staying in the residence of the sponsor, copy of lease contract of the sponsor.
