BI: Over 3,000 foreigners barred from entering PH in 2023

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday announced that a total of 3,359 foreigners were barred from entering the Philippines in 2023.

In a statement, the immigration bureau said some of the foreigners were were blacklisted and banned from entering due to being classified as undesirable aliens, registered sex offenders or are wanted fugitives. 

Meanwhile, BI said others were prevented from entering the country due to minor infractions such as failure to secure entry visas or procure return tickets.

“The bulk of the excluded aliens were refused admission after they were deemed as likely to become public charges if they are allowed to stay here,” the BI explained.

The agency defines public charge as a foreigner whose presence “poses a menace to society or a burden to the government.” 

“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,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

Meanwhile, the BI said 1,603 foreigners were barred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, followed by 1,157 at NAIA 1, 211 at NAIA 2, 187 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and 143 at the Clark International Airport.—RF, GMA Integrated News