• Date:
  • Category: News

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced on May 9, 2024 that it will begin to tighten visa issuance to Chinese citizens next week, citing the discovery of fraudulent immigration applications that lead to illegal entry and overstay of foreigners.

According to reports from Hong Kong's South China Morning Post and the Philippines' Manila Bulletin, Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister Jesus Domingo made it clear at a press conference that the new measures are mainly to combat fraud and are not aimed at the country. Security Question. He pointed out that this policy adjustment will also protect Chinese citizens who have become victims of offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Domingo said that the purpose of tightening visas is to attract more high-quality tourists and reduce the entry of undesirable people. He also said that the main problem encountered by Philippine consular officials in China recently is that applicants submit false documents.

After the new visa regulations come into effect, visa applicants will need to submit proof of social security as proof of identity, bank statements, a notarized letter of support from a Filipino landlord, and proof of hotel and flight reservations. Domingo also stressed that tourists traveling in a group must arrive and leave at the same time.

So far, Philippine consular officials in China have discovered thousands of Chinese tourists who have overstayed their visas, but the specific number will be reported to the National Security Council.

The South China Morning Post pointed out that at a time when China and the Philippines are facing tit-for-tat in the South China Sea, the Philippine government’s move is bound to trigger retaliation from Beijing.