BI to probe Chinese men illegally working as laborers

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will investigate reports that a growing number of Chinese nationals are illegally working as construction workers in Batangas and Bataan.

In a statement, BI officer-in-charge Siegfred Mison said the allegations made by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) that these Chinese nationals have been working without the required work permits was a serious matter that demands immediate action from the bureau.

He said he has instructed the bureau’s intelligence division to verify the reports.

“We will not hesitate to employ the full force of the law on those involved,” he said.

Mison agreed with the TUCP’s assertion that the practice of employing foreign workers robs Filipinos of job opportunities and undermines job security.

He added it is illegal for foreigners to work in the country without an alien employment permit from the Department of Labor and Employment and a pre-arranged employment visa from the BI.

“Should our investigation confirm the presence of these illegal workers without the requisite permit and visa, we will immediately initiate deportation proceedings against them for violating our immigration laws,” Mison said.