Immigration steps up campaign vs. illegal aliens
LINGAYEN–Foreigners in the province without proper documentations, beware!
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stepped up its campaign nationwide against aliens who have not legalized their stay in the Philippines, whether as a student, businessman or resident.
Wilfredo Poquiz, chief of the BI’s Law Enforcement Division, told local newsmen the intensified campaign comes from an order issued by BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.
“If (the foreigner has) no document, bring the subject to the office,” said Poquiz who spoke during the Monday flag raising ceremony of the Philippine National Police provincial office here.
He said foreigners in the province who are registered must update their records regularly while those who have not registered are advised to present themselves to the immigration office lest they get caught and be summarily deported.
The campaign has started in the province of Zambales, particularly within Olongapo City and the Subic Freeport Zone where BI law enforcers checked on the status of Koreans working for Hanjin, a Korean firm.
Poquiz said 200 Koreans have been found to be working without the required visas on the pretext that they are still under temporary employment.
He said his office is now monitoring the presence of foreigners in Pangasinan and Baguio City where many are studying.
Aside from checking on their status, the BI will also verify whether the schools where the Korean students are enrolled are accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.
“If they study here, they should get a study permit, those who want to work must get special working visa, and those who would like to engage in business, should get an investors’ visa,” he said.
In 2008, the BI deported 24 illegal aliens, some of whom are fugitives in their own country.
Under Libanan’s administration, the BI became the fourth biggest revenue source among public offices or agencies for the government following stricter programs relating to foreigners.
The BI has established more satellite offices across the country so that foreigners need not go to their main office in Manila for queries or to update their status.#
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