Several Filipino expatriates in the United Arab Emirates have reported losing significant amounts of money after engaging with Trip Expert Business and Marketing Solutions, a company that promised self-sponsored visas and related services. Many of these individuals say they are now facing mounting financial penalties and unresolved visa issues.
The company is reportedly led by founder and CEO Junie Sorsano and managing director Ryan Ronel Baco. Affected individuals first learned of Trip Expert through social media endorsements, including those by notable Filipino influencers and bloggers based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
One expatriate, vlogger Myra Javier, who has been living in Abu Dhabi for 13 years, paid 6,000 dirhams for a self-sponsored visa and a trade license after being influenced by an online endorsement. She soon realized something was amiss when her inquiries about the visa status went unanswered. Upon further investigation, she found multiple posts on Facebook from others who had experienced similar difficulties and were seeking refunds. Javier described the ordeal as a source of significant stress and financial hardship, particularly given her responsibilities as a mother.
Another victim, Mira Mahilum, recounted how she decided to apply for a self-sponsored visa after her employer in Dubai shut down and her employment visa was cancelled in April. Hoping to return to the UAE, she contacted Trip Expert through WhatsApp after encountering an endorsement from a prominent Filipino blogger. Mahilum was persuaded to apply for a two-year visa costing 8,500 dirhams, which was partially paid by a friend who visited Trip Expert’s purported office in Deira to verify the company’s legitimacy. The office appeared professional, and she received a receipt and agreement after payment. However, just three days later, Sorsano ceased communication, and when her friend revisited the location, the office was found abandoned.
Several other individuals have formed group chats to share their experiences and seek collective assistance. Among them is Guendolyn Cajutol, who paid a total of 1,500 dirhams initially and the balance in June. Although her license and electronic card were issued in August, her visa had not been received, and her fines continued to accumulate. Cajutol stated that her fines, which began accruing in March, have now reached nearly 10,600 dirhams, with daily penalties ongoing.
Those affected have expressed frustration and urgency for accountability, emphasizing that the money lost represents years of hard work and sacrifice. Efforts to reach Sorsano for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Authorities have not released any statements regarding the matter.