Visa and immigration issues continue to plague the Dota 2 scene. Rave Dota has withdrawn from the MLG Columbus tournament due to insufficient amount of time to obtain the required visas. Ironically, the team had previously withdrawn from StarLadder StarSeries XII, so that they could have enough time to obtain the visas for MLG. Adding salt to the wound, Philippine Boarder Security prevented three of the players from leaving the country, despite the fact that required and appropriate documentation at hand.
MVP Phoenix a last-minute replacement for Team Rave at the @joinDOTA #MLGProLeague Season 1 Championship.
Info-> http://t.co/izVPh84ss8
— MLG (@MLG) April 2, 2015
Shortly after the announcement regarding MLG, Rave Dota informed fans of the situation, citing the interview appointment expedition was not accepted and the appointment
We apologize to the fans as we were not able to secure US visas for in time for the MLG Pro League. Our visa sched is on April 17. God bless
— Rave-Dota (@RaveDota2) April 2, 2015
The Story
Early this morning as the players were boarding the plane in the Philippines to head back to South Korea for training, three of the players were detained by authorities, for lack of proper authorization to leave the country. However, the players had already had their passports stamped and were aboard the plane when the authorities approached them. Rave players have been based out of South Korea for over a year and a half now and have been traveling to and from the country for various tournaments without any issues, as they all possess the appropriate working visas and documents. Philippine Boarder Security insisted the players needed additional documentation and did not consider their current paperwork and visas sufficient. The team left South Korea to attend the Major All Star tournament two weeks ago and to get the MLG US visas issue settled.
Rave player Jio “Jeyo” Madayag took to social media to bring attention to the issue:
What kind of country stops their own country men from pursuing their dreams for the pride of their country? even though…
Posted by Jeyo on Thursday, 2 April 2015
In the attempt to clarify the situation further, Jeyo provided a brief synopsis of the events that occurred, including addressing any questions and concerns. Jeyo himself was not detained as he is a Canadian citizen, although of Philippino origins.
To enlighten everyone this is what happened, 2 days ago April 1st we were notified that with the time given we will be…
Posted by Jeyo on Thursday, 2 April 2015
What’s up next for Rave Dota
Rave will continue with their plans to play in the qualifiers for the Red Bull Battle Ground regional, which will take place starting April 6. They are also currently working with the government and organizations to secure their US visas and plan on attending the appointment scheduled for April 17.
Rave will be replaced by MVP.Phoenix at the MLG Columbus. The MLG Pro League LAN finals will take place April 10-12 at the MLG Arena in Columbus, OH.
Rave Dota current roster
Jio “Jeyo” Madayag
Mark “Cast” Pilar
Djardel “chrissy” Jicko b. Mampusti
Ryo “ryOyr” Hasegawa
Michael “ninjaboogie” Ross
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