3 Indians with fake visas fall

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration in Central Visayas reported that it arrested three Indians who tried to enter the country with tampered documents.

The three presented visas under the Pre-arranged Visa Upon Arrival Program which is a convenient and expeditious way to secure a visa to come to the Philippines instead of having to travel to the nearest Philippine Embassy.

BI, however, said that in November 2008, the Pre-arranged VUAP in India was closed due to the Mumbai terror attacks so the visas used by the Indians were invalid.

During a recent forum, the legality of number of Indians engaged in usury was questioned.

BI-7 regional director Butch Junia said a foreigner with a tourist visa cannot conduct any commercial business in the country. Doing business is already a violation of their stay and the country can deport them.

Junia said that the bureau is monitoring foreigners violating their tourist visas. There is a thorough process on verifying foreign violators because they cannot just easily arrest these foreigners.

Junia said that the bureau is protecting the interest not just of the country but of these clients whom they vow to serve with a pleasant stay without harassment.

BI asked the public to be vigilant and bring to the attention of the bureau or the authorities all suspected cases of violation. Junia said that it is also a police matter so the bureau is closely coordinating with the police. 

While the number of foreign visitors and migrants in the country continues to grow, the problem of foreigners coming in or staying illegally is hurting the economy. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)