4 Vietnamese nationals denied entry to PH over hazy travel reasons

FILE PHOTO: Bureau of Immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Four Vietnamese nationals were not allowed to enter the Philippines as immigration authorities suspected they would seek illegal employment in the country.  The foreign travelers arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on September 2, 2024. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Four Vietnamese nationals were not allowed to enter the Philippines as immigration authorities suspected they would seek illegal employment in the country.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Truong Quang Than, 28; Bui Van Chi, 36; Ngo Dan Tuong, 22; and Nguyen Hoang Minh Huy, 19 arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 last September 2.

The foreign travelers claimed their purpose for coming to the Philippines is tourism. However, as immigration officers asked them more questions about their travel, the Vietnamese nationals allegedly provided “highly inconsistent statements” regarding their stay here.

READ: Bureau of Immigration blocks entry of 25 foreigners at Naia

The BI also noted that the four Vietnamese nationals overstayed – seven months – in the country before.

Eventually, one of the foreigners admitted to working in a catering business during his previous stay in the Philippines despite not having a proper work visa.

READ: 100,000 foreign Pogo workers given Oct. 15 visa deadline

“Our country is a no-go zone for those who use tourism as a cover for such schemes,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement Tuesday.

“Aliens who attempt to enter to abuse the country’s hospitality will be denied entry,” he added.

The BI said the four Vietnamese nationals are now on its blacklist, which would permanently disable them from re-entering the Philippines.