Pinoy mourner refused entry at Hong Kong airport

A retired Filipino seaman was not allowed to enter Hong Kong on Wednesday and was told that going there to attend the funeral of a relative was not a valid reason for a visa.

Pepito Mamaril, 60, was held at Chep Lap Kok airport and sent back to the Philippines within hours of his arrival, Hong Kong's "The Standard" reported on Friday.

Mamaril flew into Hong Kong on Wednesday to attend the wake and funeral of his sister-in-law Emma Mamaril, a permanent resident married to his elder brother, Fortunato.

Mamaril's niece Mary Ann Mamaril-Sparrow said Mamaril was the only relative from the Philippines who could attend the wake and cremation last weekend of her 65-year-old mother, who died after a long illness.

"He was my mother's best friend on my father's side of the family," Mamaril-Sparrow was quoted in the report as saying.

According to Mamaril's wife, the retired seaman "was traumatized by the nightmare he experienced."

The report noted Philippine passport holders who visit Hong Kong are usually granted a 14-day visa-free stay.

"The Standard" quoted a government source as saying Mamaril was denied entry because the purpose of his visit was doubtful.

The report also said the Immigration Department would not comment on any individual case but stressed officers are responsible for maintaining "effective immigration control."

Not enough money?

According to "The Standard," when an immigration asked Mamaril how much money he had on hand, the retired seaman said he had P500 (HK$90).

The report said the immigration officer told him he would be sent back to the Philippines "because your money is not enough."

The officer rang the number of Mamaril's brother who reportedly hung up because the call was in Cantonese.

Mamaril-Sparrow said she spoke to an immigration officer and faxed her mother's death certificate and documents to support the identity of her uncle.

However, she was reportedly told "the (deportation) order has already been made."

"The Standard" said the officer told Mamaril-Sparrow, "this was a one-off, and if your uncle wants to come back, he can always come back to Hong Kong."

However, Mamaril-Sparrow told the officer: "I've only got one mother to bury."

Source:-
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/237493/pinoy-abroad/pinoy-mourner-refused-entry-at-hong-kong-airport

What an absolute disgrace.
I also thought that a 14 day visa waiver was in place.
In the face of all the evidence to support the visit it seems no-one was wrong so no-one could change their decision. Hmm probably happens in UK as well I guess.

Maybe I'm just upset.

Still, it's another thing to think about when Filipinos are entering HK