BI Cracks Down On Illegal Foreign Workers: Five Nationals Apprehended

BI Cracks Down On Illegal Foreign Workers: Five Nationals Apprehended

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 13, 2026

PASAY CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has apprehended five foreign nationals in an intelligence operation targeting illegal employment within Pasay City.

The arrests, part of an intensified campaign against undocumented foreign workers, occurred this week at a casino in the Newport area.

On the afternoon of May 5, BI intelligence officers identified several foreigners allegedly engaged in activities inconsistent with their immigration status.

Among those taken into custody was a 51-year-old Chinese national found to be overstaying and working without a valid visa. Further arrests included another Chinese national, a Malaysian national, a Taiwanese national, and a Korean national.

Their violations ranged from unauthorized employment and overstaying to working for entities other than their declared visa sponsors.

The operation was initiated following intelligence reports detailing potential immigration violations within the establishment. Local police authorities were coordinated with prior to the operation’s execution.

All five foreign nationals have been transferred to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility in Taguig City, where documentation and the filing of appropriate immigration charges are underway.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to pursuing foreign nationals who misuse Philippine visas and work permits. “Foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay will be apprehended and removed from the country. Operations like this will continue nationwide,” Viado stated.