To tighten immigration control and monitor foreign nationals more effectively, lawmakers are proposing a centralized visa issuance system, according to Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of the House Quad Committee.
“Maraming ahensiya ang pwedeng mag-issue ng visa, so ang panukala namin ay magkaroon ng centralized system—whether it’s a resident visa, student visa, or investor visa—para madali nating ma-monitor ang presensiya ng mga dayuhan sa bansa,” Barbers said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Currently, multiple agencies issue visas, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Foreign Service Posts abroad.
Call to Scrap Visa Upon Arrival
The Quad Committee is also pushing for the removal of the visa upon arrival program, which allows certain foreigners to enter the country without prior visa approval.
“Itong proseso na ito ang isa sa naging ugat ng pagdami ng undesirable aliens, including undesirable Chinese na nagtrabaho sa mga POGO,” Barbers added, referring to illegal workers in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Authorities have raised concerns over the abuse of visa policies, with several cases of fugitives exploiting the system. Recently, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported:
✅ A Korean fugitive escaped detention with the help of a BI employee.
✅ 13 Chinese fugitives were arrested during a POGO raid in Pasay City.
The proposed reforms aim to enhance national security and prevent illegal activities linked to foreign nationals in the country.