DFA to enforce stricter visa rules for the Chinese, cites Pogo crimes

SENT HOME  Mass deportation involving Chinese who were arrested in a raid in a Pasay City-based Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in October 2024. They were found to have no working permits and engaged in “online scams.” File photo shows them lining up for pre-departure procedures at the Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (Picture from NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will implement a stricter visa issuance strategy for the Chinese “starting this week.”

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Gary Domingo said this is in light of the “headline discovery of fraudulently-obtained passports and visas resulting in the illicit entry and overstay” of foreigners in the Philippines.

“A major challenge is submitting fake documents, particularly from the Chinese side,” said Domingo.

“To help remedy this, we are actually looking at a best practice used by other foreign embassies such as Japan, South Korea, US and UK — and they also require applicants to submit a social insurance certificate,” he noted.

Apart from this, Domingo said they will continue to require the “presentation of proof for financial capacity with employment certificate and bank statements,” but they will be more vigilant in “scrutinizing” applicants’ bank statement and accounts.

In the same briefing, Domingo was prodded by the media as to why the DFA resorted to enforcing stricter visa issuance policies.

He was asked if the new development entails that there is now a large number of foreigners who are faking their documents to enter the country.

“It’s a bit confidential. Basta marami,” Domingo opted to respond.

While the adjustment occurred amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, Domingo maintained that the change in the government’s policy “is not necessarily related to other national security concerns.”

“This is also for the good of the Chinese because again — itong mga Pogo (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) na nakalusot, who are their victims? Fellow Chinese,” he explained.

(These Pogos who are able to get away, who are their victims?)

“So, it’s not necessarily related to other national security considerations,” he emphasized.