19 November 2014 - In response to the request of the Filipino community for an informative session on consular matters, particularly the procedures for visa application and the different types of Lao visas, the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane invited Atty. Raymond Alikpala to conduct a briefing on the said subject during the Filipino community meeting held at the Embassy premises.

Atty. Alikpala, a senior associate of Sciaroni & Associates law firm, discussed the classification of aliens, or foreigners in Laos. He talked about how such classification, which imposes a certain status on the alien, are acquired: from entering Laos through the proper channels and applying for work through the correct procedures. Atty. Alikpala then enumerated the different Lao government agencies which process and facilitate visa applications. He mentioned that these government agencies, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others, are also the agencies which should be approached in case of any problems with visas.

Atty. Alikpala then proceeded to discuss the legal requirements for applications for business and labor visas, noting in particular the difference between a Stay Permit and a Work Permit. He then enumerated a list of prohibited acts which would result to deportation and possible filing of criminal charges, such as the illegal operation of businesses or working without the valid permits.

The briefing was followed by an open forum. Atty. Aristotle Tiu David, the Head of Legal of VNA Legal, a legal consultancy firm, was on hand to assist Atty. Alikpala with the questions of Filcom members.

Philippine Ambassador to Laos Maria Lumen B. Isleta acknowledged Atty. Alikpala and Atty. David and thanked them for giving their time to share their knowledge and expertise with the Filipino community. She also thanked the Filipinos who attended the meeting and informed them that the Embassy has a duty officer who can be reached in cases of emergency at the Embassy hotline.END