DOST Scholars Are Now Free from Travel Ban


DOST Scholars are required to render service to the country with a duration equivalent to the number of years the scholarship was availed. This is the common thinking that each DOST scholar has. After enjoying free semestral entrance and tuition fees, monthly stipends, books and uniform allowances you will have travel restrictions as stated in the scholarship contract with the government institution. Their names are included in Bureau of Immigration’s watchlist and were issued travel hold order. In addition to this, if you were not able to fulfill this obligation you would have to pay back all the depreciated expenses and allowances given/shouldered by DOST plus 12% interest.


Just recently, it was reported that travel ban for DOST scholars has been lifted. In a memo released by the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner, Ricardo A. David Jr., and addressed to the Chief of Information and Communications Technology Chief, Jolly Bert G. Galleon, and Airport Operations Division Chief, Benito G. Se, Jr., it is stated that names of DOST scholars shall be removed from the watchlist.

Pursuant to the legal opinion of the Honorable Department of Justice Secretary particularly disapproving the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Science and Technology and the Bureau of Immigration, the Chief of the Information and Communications Technology Section is directed to remove the names of ANY and ALL scholars in the Watchlist (DOST/CHED/SUC Scholars) within five (5) days from receipt of this Order. Pending the total removal of these names, scholars whose names appear in the Watchlist shall be allowed to leave without being required to present any document issued by the Bureau, unless the concerned scholar is prevented to travel by some other lawful case.

The Chief of the Airport Operations Division is directed to inform all supervisors and immigration officers to comply with this directive and insure compliance with the same.”, as stated in the memorandum from BOI commissioner dated June 14, 2012.


Please see screenshot below for the signed copy of Memorandum.

DOST Scholars BOI Memo