BI backs stricter visa requirements for Chinese citizens

The Bureau of Immigration expressed its support for the tighter visa requirements implemented by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for Chinese citizens.

Chinese citizens applying for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa at Philippine Foreign Service Posts will be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates, the DFA said on June 13.

According to the DFA, the certificates must be registered for at least six months at the time of the visa application.

Those exempted from the visa requirement are Chinese citizens who are currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education—who will be required to submit proof of enrollment—and retirees over 55 years old.

“We welcome this update as it adds another strong layer of protection against foreigners who might attempt to exploit the visa system,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement.

In 2023, the BI denied the entry of 3,359 foreigners, with 61% tagged as likely to become a public charge. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News