“Sorry but I won’t grant you a visa..” is what Salma-look-alike told me after just four questions. Handing me a blue paper that, according to her will explain why I got denied.
Seeing that it was obviously a generic letter I asked politely why I was not granted a visa, but she shrugged me defensively pointing at the paper saying that it will explain to me why.. I smiled my sarcastic smile even if she was not looking at me (she never really looked at me!) and left.
After a few hours, I remembered the blue paper and even if I already know whats written on it (from my cousin’s experience) I read it.
In both English and Tagalog languages it said (in summary)… That I was not able to prove that I will be coming back to my country.. REALLY?!
First. How can you prove anything to someone who wouldn’t even look at you – as if implying that she could care less to whatever I say. I would probably appreciate any hint of interest or even a look in the eye trying her hardest to feel me or read my mind if I am sincere, but no, nothing like that or even close to that.
Second. She just asked me four basic questions super briefly (almost felt like it was a one-sentence script with half a second pauses). NO follow up questions whatsoever and typing her heart out. “whats your job, where do you work, how many years have you been working there and does your parents live in the ****.”
Third. If only she interrogated me longer and if she tried to look me in the eye, she would have at the very least felt my sincerity.
God knows I have no intention of over staying there. I LOVE my job so much (that if she only asked, she would have known that I was just recently appointed as a team leader with so much responsibilities to even think of leaving for so long). I just wanted to visit my parents because I miss them and to see nice places and experience snow (too childish – but hey, thats the truth). She doesn’t know this because she judged me instantly.
I am not frustrated because I didn’t make it and quite frankly, I have prepared myself for the worst, what frustrates me is the feeling of being judged right away without having been able to defend myself or really PROVE myself to her (just to her because with the other foreign consuls, at least I can hear that they were really being questioned – I would have loved that even if it would seem like they were feeling suspicious about me).
Also, it would have been a little less frustrating if instead of pointing to a generic explanation, you let me/us know the real reason why you denied us so we can assess if we will try again next time. And if its our money that you want (knowing how much Filipinos dream of going to your country), then just say it, I could have just donated 7k willingly than having felt getting ripped off.
Ohhh and add the rude and snobbish treatment Filipino workers treat their “kababayans” applying for a visa. They are like wild foxes circling and taunting helpless sheep wanting to get to greener pastures. You guys don’t need to be rude and sarcastic especially to the elderly. You don’t need to be sympathetic or overly kind, just polite and respectful after all you are still workers who work for them (foreign nationals) and not one of them.
So thats that. The experience is really funny (bec of the people you see and observe) and frustrating – not really traumatizing. I would not think twice to try it again but not anytime soon. So Salma (look-alike) – ’til we meet again (secretly wishing not to be assigned to your window next time. You are such a narrow-minded person!)
