Originally Posted by
fairhsa
This is exactly what happens. I've tried to by-pass this stupid step before with no success. It's fine if you are in Business. If you are in Economy the queue can get quite long. Particularly for the (single!) security check afterwards!
if its a long transit I usually enter the country, go outside and get some Jollibee and some 'fresh' air and then re-enter - these formalities are generally a fairly quick procedure
I have also experienced the long economy transit line - it was ponderous and seemingly pointless but nothing to get too worked up about.