3,359 foreigners barred from Philippines in 2023

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration prevented 3,359 foreignes from entering the country in 2023, the BI reported yesterday.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the bulk of the excluded aliens were refused admission after they were deemed likely to become public charges – a foreigner whose presence here poses a menace to society or a burden on the government while sojourning in the country.

“As gatekeepers of our country, our officers are duty-bound to see to it that only aliens with legitimate purpose of travel are accorded the privilege to visit the country. Illegal aliens and fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines,” Tansingco added.

BI records show that apart from public charges and improperly documented aliens, the list also includes blacklisted foreigners, registered sex offenders, fugitives and those who were rude and disrespectful toward BI officers.