The DFA cited cases of fraudulently acquired visas and crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
“This is a welcome development for the BI,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said yesterday.
“We project that there will be fewer exclusions, given that arriving tourists have been better filtered during their visa applications at the Philippine posts abroad,” he added.
The DFA’s move would provide another strong layer of protection against foreigners who might have intentions inimical to state security, he noted.
Based on BI data in 2023, 3,359 foreigners were denied entry. A majority had questionable purposes for travel and were tagged as likely to become a public charge.
Of the number, 885 were citizens of China.
Based on previous news reports, there have been instances wherein POGOs were linked to crimes such as human trafficking, forcible abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling and grave coercion.
Tansingco believes that stricter visa issuance would have little impact on the country’s tourism.
This story is from the May 13, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 13, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Macron calls for snap elections](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21915/1728586/rNXQa7Kti1718047693816/MACRON-CALLS-FOR-SNAP-ELECTIONS.jpg)
Macron calls for snap elections
Gains by the far-right in voting for the European Parliament on Sunday prompted a bruised French President Emmanuel Macron to call for a snap national election, adding uncertainty to Europe’s future political direction.
Makati gives P1-M aid to Davao de Oro
The city government of Makati yesterday donated P1 million in cash to the local government of Davao de Oro, which was affected by a weather disturbance earlier this year.
Gadget-free schools bill filed in Senate
To boost academic performance and prevent cyberbullying, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for a measure that will prohibit kindergarten to senior high school students from using cell phones and other gadgets during classes.
![BBM inaugurates Phl's largest solar-powered pump irrigation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21915/1728586/MQYbjQV5S1718046675164/BBM-INAUGURATES-PHLS-LARGEST-SOLARPOWERED-PUMP-IRRIGATION.jpg)
BBM inaugurates Phl's largest solar-powered pump irrigation
President Marcos inaugurated yesterday the country's biggest solarpowered pump irrigation project that is seen to boost agricultural production.
![Cops fail to arrest Quiboloy during search of properties](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21915/1728586/ruwtN564s1718044416605/COPS-FAIL-TO-ARREST-QUIBOLOY-DURING-SEARCH-OF-PROPERTIES.jpg)
Cops fail to arrest Quiboloy during search of properties
Heavily armed operatives of the police Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) swooped down early yesterday on several properties owned by accused sex offender and human trafficker Apollo Quiboloy to serve arrest warrants for him and his accomplices, but went away empty handed.
'Law needed to order singing of Bagong Pilipinas'
Malacañang’s directive to integrate the singing and recitation of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge into the weekly flag ceremonies of national government agencies and instrumentalities needs a law, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.
![Meat imports to further rise this year](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21915/1735113/u1pYc7in_1718569990811/MEAT-IMPORTS-TO-FURTHER-RISE-THIS-YEAR.jpg)
Meat imports to further rise this year
The Philippines’ meat imports are expected to further increase this year as lower tariffs attract more foreign supplies to meet the country’s growing demand for cheaper meat products, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Sta. Lucia allots P5.62 B for capex
Listed real estate developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc. is beefing up its capital spending this year to develop more projects and further expand its land bank.
SEC welcomes new commissioner
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has welcomed the appointment of its new commissioner, Rogelio Quevedo.
Index may continue downtrend this week
The stock market is expected to remain on the downtrend on another shortened trading week while investors wait for positive catalysts.