BI orders deportation of 2,000 foreign nationals involved in job scams

After discovering that around 2,000 foreign nationals had participated in a planned job scam that was purportedly managed by four immigration lawyers, the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued an order for the foreign nationals to leave the country.

Since December of last year, the lawyers have not been held responsible for anything. According to the Verification and Compliance Division of the Bureau of Investigations (BI), 459 visa applications in 2023 were connected to fake businesses; it is possible that this illegal activity started in 2019.

Because it seemed that the accused individuals favored operating as sole entrepreneurs, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco requested that visas granted during the preceding five years be examined.

Early research suggests that at least 40 travel agencies and liaison personnel were involved in the plot. Proposals have been made by the BI to eliminate the Legal Division’s visa task force and impose show cause orders against four immigration lawyers.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) should thoroughly examine the illegal activity and hold immigration authorities and others involved accountable, Senator Grace Poe said, expressing worry over the issuance of work permits to foreign nationals via fraudulent businesses. The BI will not be issuing sole proprietorship visas going forward as a precaution.

As part of efforts to address immigration system deficiencies and stop individuals connected to fraudulent organizations from entering and remaining in the nation, the fight against visa fraud is being undertaken.

Original story by: Manila Standard