4 Chinese men nabbed for alleged violation of PH immigration laws

Four Chinese citizens were nabbed in Minalin, Pampanga for allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday.

According to BI, an initial investigation showed suspects Ke Jianye, 39; Guo Yilan, 35; Chen Ligan, 47; and Huang Shuirong, 38; were found to be working in a construction firm in Barangay Sto. Domingo despite only having working visas petitioned by a Manila-based company. 

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Philippine working visas are strictly employer-specific and any deviation from the approved petition constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws.

"Foreign nationals are welcome to work in the Philippines, but they must strictly adhere to the conditions of their visa. Working for a company other than the one that petitioned them is a clear breach of our laws and is grounds for deportation," said Viado.

"We will not tolerate visa fraud or any attempt to circumvent immigration processes. Employers who misrepresent or reassign foreign workers without proper clearance will be held accountable,” he added.

The suspects are currently undergoing deportation proceedings for violation of the Philippine Immigration Act and may be included in the country’s immigration blacklist, Viado said. — Sundy Locus/RF/GMA Integrated News