The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has cancelled the working visas of 528 foreign nationals for fraud as it intensified reviewing and monitoring the status of aliens working in the country.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the first-ever mass revocation of visas followed the post audit of six companies showing their foreign workers submitted fake Alien Employment Permits (AEP). The AEP is a permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is a prerequisite in applying for a work visa with the BI.
“I have directed the intelligence division which conducted the post-audit to conduct a case build-up against the said companies after receiving information that they have petitioned foreign nationals by submitting fake documents,” said Morente.
The BI chief refused to name the companies, saying investigations are still ongoing involving their related companies.
He disclosed, however, that these firms are based in Manila, Paranaque, and Caloocan; and into consultancy, residential sales, tutorial, and information technology.
Those with cancelled visa included 259 Indians, 230 Chinese, 14 Koreans, 11 Japanese, five Taiwanese, three Vietnamese, and a German, Burmese, Nigerian, Nepalese, Sudanese, and a Yemeni.
“These are just six companies, we expect to uncover more in the next few months,” said Morente, even as he encouraged citizens to report illegal aliens to the bureau.
Morente stated that the 528 aliens violated Section 37 of the Philippine Immigration Act “for obvious misrepresentation and fraud”.
Morente also said he is also considering the recommendation of the intelligence division to cancel the BI permits of the accredited agents who processed the applications of these foreign nationals.
He said the agency will step-up its campaign of weeding the country of illegal workers, stressing “the campaign will be felt nationwide, and you can expect more arrests and cancellations in the next few months.”
Morente noted that there have been post-audits and visa cancellations in the past, but it was only now that they have made massive cancellations.
“I am appalled to learn of big companies that blatantly disregard our laws and submit fake documents. These companies knowingly hire illegal foreign workers that take away jobs from Filipinos and law-abiding foreigners, Morente said.
He said he will submit the post audit reports to the DOLE for possible sanctions against companies involved in the alleged anomalies. (Jun Ramirez)
