DOJ, BI to cancel visas of 48k illegal Chinese POGO workers instead of deporting them
According to the Department of Justice, it will cancel the visas of around 48,000 illegal Chinese laborers currently present in the Philippines instead of deporting them.
According to a statement issued by the DOJ on Sunday, the choice was taken in consultation with Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, who suggested that it would be more cost-effective to revoke the Chinese employees’ alien visas.
“Instead of deporting them, the cancellation of alien visas would simply allow the Chinese Nationals to voluntarily exit the country within a non-extendible period of 59 days,” DOJ said.
Employees of Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGO) whose licenses had been revoked, the Chinese nationals were employed by them.
The BI said it will cancel 48,782 alien visas in total. The bureau is also confirming whether or not these Chinese people are still in the nation.
Chinese nationals who refuse to leave the country after the permitted period will eventually be deported, the DOJ stated.
The BI is preparing to deport the 372 Chinese nationals who were detained by law enforcement.
“The Department is aware of the effects this operation may have on the economy. However, given the many reports of murder, kidnapping and other criminal activities, the social cost of keeping illegal aliens heavily outweighs the projected effect it will have on the affected industries. Even so, the Department will be sure to coordinate with the National Economic team to counter any negative effects on the country,” DOJ added.
