Foreigners warned against fake marriages

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday warned foreigners against resorting to fake marriages and using them as a ploy to acquire a residence visa in the Philippines.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said immigration agents had arrested an Indian national who falsified his application for a five-year temporary resident visa by submitting fraudulent documents.

David ordered the BI legal division to conduct deportation proceedings against Ajay Kumar Kashyap, who was arrested at a house in Manuelavil Village, Dasmariñas, Cavite .

“We should not allow these undesirable aliens to undermine the integrity of our visa issuance system by submitting fraudulent documents,” David said in a statement.

Privilege, not right

He added that “staying in the Philippines is not a right but mere privilege of every foreigner which can be withdrawn and revoked anytime.”

Kashyap was arrested on the strength of a mission order David issued at the request of one Rosemaria Linatok, who claimed the Indian used her name and personal circumstances in filing a fraudulent visa application.

Kashyap’s visa application was approved in 2009 but the BI board of commissioners canceled his visa last  Sept. 8 after Linatok complained to the bureau.

Linatok alleged that Kashyap made it appear she was married to him by stealing her identity and submitting false documents.

She described the marriage certificate that Kashyap submitted as a sham.

Linatok said she had filed a criminal case against Kashyap before a local court for falsification of public documents and for the cancellation of the supposed marriage.