BI revises visa application procedures to combat bogus firm scheme

“As such, we have reorganized the visa-issuance procedures, palit lahat top to bottom, including the procedures in accepting, reviewing, and assessing, up until the issuing of the visas.  Tingin namin baka abutin ng one thousand or more ang mga foreigners that are petitioned by these fake companies,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

(As such, we have reorganized the visa-issuance procedures, a top-to-bottom change, including the procedures for accepting, reviewing, and assessing up until the issuing of the visas.  We think there may be one thousand or more foreigners that are petitioned by these fake companies.)

Tansingco added that he has met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the investigation of at least 40 travel agencies and 116 fake employers.

“During our initial investigation, at least 40 travel agencies and liaison officers are suspected of being involved in the scheme, and we reported to the SOJ a total of 116 employers found to be fake,” Tansingco said.

The BI also said that 459 foreigners were blacklisted for using fake companies in their 9(g) visa application, which is required for working in the Philippines.

Tansingco added that four BI lawyers are also implicated in the scheme and that they have recommended to Remulla the cancellation of visas of the foreign nationals.

“Last November, we recommended to the SOJ the cancellation of the visas of these aliens, as well as the issuance of showcase orders against those who were involved in the application,” he continued.

“We also recommended the issuance of show cause orders against 4 BI lawyers and the abolition of the Legal Division’s visa task force,” he added.