The Philippines will deport nearly 1,500 foreigners this first half of 2025, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Up to 1,422 foreigners were deported for violating immigration rules, almost double the 717 cases last year.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viardo said this step is in response to the order of President Marcos Jr. to strengthen national security and crack down on foreigners who are illegal residents or involved in crime.
The largest number of those deported were Chinese (957), followed by Vietnamese (231), and a few others from Korea (41), Malaysia (41), and Myanmar (37). Most of them were involved in illegal work, particularly in the POGO industry which is banned or strictly regulated by the government.
According to the BI, the deportation process is being expedited to quickly deport foreign violators. They have also put in place measures such as coordinating with the NBI, quickly issuing travel documents, and opening temporary detention centers.
Viardo emphasized: “The law must be strictly enforced and dangers must be eliminated immediately.” The agency will continue to promote strict enforcement of the law to ensure that the immigration policy is followed nationwide.
