China will let the Philippines deal with illegal Chinese workers in accordance with local laws but urged authorities to consider their “humanitarian needs.”
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua made the statement after assuring China does not encourage its nationals to work illegally in foreign countries, including the Philippines.
“The policy is very clear. If they are working illegally here, it’s up to you to deal with the issue in accordance with your law. But as we are dealing with the foreign nationals illegally working in China, we also follow our law and procedures,” he said in an interview with reporters at the Palace.
“But in the meantime, we would call on the law enforcement agencies here to deal with this issue professionally, meaning that you have to take into consideration the humanitarian needs of those Chinese nationals, as we are doing exactly when it comes to Filipinos working illegally in China,” he added.
Some groups earlier expressed concern over the alleged influx of Chinese workers in the country, some supposedly do not have proper work permits.
Malacañang recently said the government will enforce the country’s laws equally to foreigners, including Chinese nationals, who violate them. But it would “tread cautiously” in dealing with suspected Chinese illegal migrants in the country given the presence of Filipino workers staying in China, according to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo. (Genalyn Kabiling)
