FOUR Chinese nationals were arrested on Friday by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Intelligence Division for violations of Philippine immigration laws, as the agency continues to intensify its enforcement operations under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The arrests form part of the government’s broader efforts to maintain order and ensure that foreign nationals comply strictly with the conditions of their stay.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified one of the arrested individuals as Ke Jianye, 39, who was found working for a construction firm in Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Minalin, Pampanga, despite holding a working visa petitioned by a Manila-based company.
Three other Chinese nationals — Guo Yilan, 35; Chen Ligan, 47; and Huang Shuirong, 38 — were also discovered inside the office premises and were similarly found to be working for a company other than their authorized visa sponsor.
Commissioner Viado emphasized that working visas issued by the Bureau are strictly employer-specific, and any deviation from the approved petition constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws.
“Foreign nationals are welcome to work in the Philippines, but they must strictly adhere to the conditions of their visa. Working for a company other than the one that petitioned them is a clear breach of our laws and is grounds for deportation,” said Viado.
He also issued a warning to both foreign nationals and their employers: “We will not tolerate visa fraud or any attempt to circumvent immigration processes. Employers who misrepresent or reassign foreign workers without proper clearance will be held accountable.”
The four individuals are currently undergoing deportation proceedings for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act and may be included in the Bureau’s blacklist, barring future reentry into the country.
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