In a significant uptick from the previous year, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines disclosed that 124 foreigners were barred from entering the country in 2024 due to their disrespectful behavior towards immigration officers. This number marks a sharp increase from the 64 individuals denied entry in 2023, highlighting a growing issue at the country’s borders.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, in a press release issued on Saturday, emphasized that these foreigners were not only sent back to their countries of origin but were also blacklisted and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines. Viado stressed the importance of respect towards immigration officers, stating, “We again warn foreigners intending to visit the Philippines that they should refrain from being disrespectful when dealing with our officers as such behavior is an affront to persons in authority.”
The BI reported that many of these denied entries involved passengers who were intoxicated and displayed unruly behavior. Some individuals went as far as shouting insults and making derogatory remarks against Filipinos and government officials, further exacerbating the situation.
A notable case involved a 34-year-old New Zealander who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on February 9, 2024, via a Cebu Pacific flight from Melbourne. The individual failed to complete the mandatory eTravel form, which is required for all incoming passengers. When asked to fill out the form to avoid disrupting the inspection queue, he refused and instead directed offensive language towards an immigration officer. The New Zealander was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
As a consequence of his actions, he was immediately denied entry into the Philippines, placed on the next available flight back to Melbourne, and added to the BI’s blacklist, ensuring he could not return to the country in the future.
Commissioner Viado reiterated that while the Philippines warmly welcomes foreign visitors, strict adherence to immigration protocols is non-negotiable. He warned that any form of disrespect towards immigration officers would result in severe sanctions, including permanent bans from entering the country.
This crackdown on disrespectful behavior at immigration checkpoints underscores the BI’s commitment to maintaining order and respect at the country’s borders. It serves as a reminder to all travelers that respect for local laws and authorities is paramount when visiting the Philippines.