MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) considers removing “visas upon arrival” privilege for foreigners following an influx of Chinese tourists who became workers in the country.
DFA secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. made the suggestion following the warning of National Security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on the entry of Chinese tourists in the country that can be a security threat.
“We need to put an end to visas-upon-arrival, all visas should be issued by consular offices after vetting,” Locsin said on Wednesday.
“We must take extra care in outsourcing any part of the visa application process, picking only the most reputable worldwide,” he added.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) started issuing visas to Chinese nationals on their arrival in the Philippines in 2017 to draw more tourists from China.
Following the BI order, the number of Chinese nationals entering the country tripled with the majority of them working for Philippine offshore gaming operators.
According to the BI, there were 20,956 Chinese nationals holding 9G visa, or the pre-arranged employment visa on 2017 which increased to 22,599 a year later./PN
