The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has welcomed strict measures implemented by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in issuing entry visas to Chinese nationals, following the surge of Chinese coming to the country as tourists but turned out to be illegally working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
“We welcome this update as it adds another strong layer of protection against foreigners who might attempt to exploit the visa system,” BI Chief Norman Tansingco said.
In February last year, the BI has implemented a major overhaul of its systems by deactivating its port operations division. The BI has likewise recently introduced online applications for tourist visa extensions and other essential BI services.
The bureau has also initiated integrated systems with numerous government agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, among others, to make verifications seamless and eliminate opportunities for corruption by automating processes.
The BI said that on June 13, the DFA announced that Chinese nationals applying for temporary visitor’s visas at Philippine foreign service posts will now be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates.
The move, according to the DFA, was made following “headline discovery of fraudulently-obtained passports and visas resulting in the illicit entry and overstay” of foreigners in the Philippines.
Tansingco said that the tightening of isa requirements is a welcome development and will add another strong layer of defense against illegal aliens attempting to abuse the country’s visa system.
In 2023, the BI denied the entry of 3,359 foreign nationals, with 61% of which were tagged as likely to become a public charge.
“We welcome this move to have a stronger pre-vetting action as both agencies work hand-in-hand to protect against the entry of undesirable aliens,” he added.
