BI warns foreigners on fake ‘immigration service’

FILE PHOTO: Passengers form a line at the Immigration counters of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on April 10, 2017. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday cautioned foreigners anew that it does not collect “immigration assistance fees” from them.

This comes as the bureau said it discovered a Philippine-based company allegedly charging money to its employees for payment to government agencies. BI did not name the company.

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, he was able to obtain a copy of a document that shows a breakdown of fees in exchange for immigration assistance at the airport.

“This company is allegedly charging P5,000 as Airport Assistance Fee, another P5,000 for processing fee, and P20,000 for a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Invitation Letter,” Morente said in a statement.

“It seems that this company is using the name of government agencies to be able to charge such high rates to its employees,” he added.

Morente reminded the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities.

“Be wary of falling prey to these scammers. Immediately report to the authorities if you encounter such modus,” said Morente, adding that the BI is now studying possible legal actions against the company.

KGA