KALIBO, Aklan – Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Nemesio Neron wants to hold a legislative inquiry into what he claimed as “undocumented foreigners” living and doing business in Aklan province and Boracay Island.
An increase in the number of foreign workers proficient in Korean and Chinese employed as tour commissioners, interpreters, operators, or tour guides has been observed since Boracay reopened in October.
The inquiry seeks “to protect the interest of Filipino workers and address overpopulation in Boracay Island,” Neron said.
The Provincial Board member has taken a strong stance against businesses that prefer undocumented foreigners to locals when hiring workers.
“Marami tayong na-receive na reports na may mga foreigners na undocumented,” said Neron. “Inaagawan nila ang ating mga kababayan sa Boracay ng lehitimong trabaho.”
In Malay town, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, a municipal ordinance requires working permits from anyone engaging in any activity – employment or practice of profession, or any kind of business and livelihood – in the island.
In March the Provincial Board already raised to the Bureau of Immigration the concern on the growing number of foreign workers in Aklan, particularly in Boracay.
Neron said he wants to determine the number of foreigners without working permits and violating Philippine immigration laws.
“Marami na tayong foreigners dito sa Kalibo at Boracay na nagtatrabaho at may mga negosyo,” he said. “Titingnan natin kung dokumentado sila at kung may violations sa immigration laws.” (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
