Manila – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reported that more than 2,700 foreign nationals, deemed "undesirable" and improperly documented, were prevented from entering the Philippines in the first ten months of 2023. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that from January 1 to October 31, a total of 2,778 foreigners were barred entry by immigration officers. The majority of these individuals were Chinese (696), Vietnamese (414), Indonesians (214), Americans (204), and Indians (138), with most attempting to enter through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tansingco noted the increase in foreign travelers post-pandemic and the corresponding rise in illegal aliens attempting to enter the country. The BI's enhanced port monitoring aims to address this trend. In comparison, last year, the BI excluded 2,768 foreigners for various reasons, including potential public nuisance risks and improper documentation. This vigilance reflects the BI's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the country's borders and ensuring the legality of foreign entries.