BI warns vs BPO charging excessive fees

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned foreign nationals against a company that allegedly charges excessive “immigration assistance” fees.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, which he did not name, charged its foreign employees excessive fees supposedly as facilitation payment to government agencies like the BI and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“This company is allegedly charging P5,000 as airport assistance fee, another P5,000 for processing fee, and P20,000 for a DFA Invitation Letter,” Morente said.

He clarified that they do not collect any “immigration assistance” fee from foreign nationals.

—TINA G. SANTOS
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