The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Thursday plans for additional measures to curb the illegal entry and overstaying of Chinese nationals in the country. According to DFA Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo, the agency is developing a stricter visa policy that includes requiring a social insurance certificate from applicants.
“This measure aims to distinguish legitimate tourists from potential troublemakers,” Domingo explained during a press conference. He noted an increase in fraudulent documentation submitted by visa applicants from China, including fake IDs and bank statements.
Domingo also highlighted the common practice among fixers who advertise fraudulent services on platforms like WeChat, stating, “A major challenge is the submission of fraudulent, fake documents, particularly from the China side.”
The new policy will mirror practices used by other nations’ embassies in China, such as Japan, South Korea, the US, and the UK, which also require the submission of a social insurance certificate.
For group visa applications, the DFA plans to enhance scrutiny of travel firms and tour operators to ensure they are properly accredited. The department is also tightening regulations on agents who may act as intermediaries for applicants, following several attempts to bribe Philippine consular staff.
Domingo acknowledged that these stricter measures might temporarily reduce the number of foreign tourists but emphasized the balance between economic interests and national security. He expressed concerns about the misuse of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) system, leading to serious crimes like human trafficking and kidnapping.
“These adjustments are crucial to plug the gaps in our system,” Domingo said, hopeful that the reforms will ultimately encourage more Chinese nationals to visit the Philippines safely, knowing that the chances of encountering criminals will be reduced.
The announcement also follows concerns over the rising number of Chinese students in Cagayan Province, with Domingo clarifying that student visas are often converted from tourist visas domestically by the Bureau of Immigration.