Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested on Wednesday AFTERNOON, a Korean woman caught working in the country illegally.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. identified the woman as 52-year-old Lee Mikyong, who was caught in the act of working in a food mart along the Alabang Zapote Road in Las Pinas City.
Intelligence agents implemented the arrest following a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, after receiving information that Lee is overstaying and has been working without the proper permit and visa.
“Upon verification, it was confirmed that her visa has already lapsed, and that she was indeed working there illegally,” said Manahan. “She was also unable to present any documentation, thus is considered an undocumented alien,” he added.
Morente then warned foreign nationals to comply with immigration laws. “As the Philippines opens its borders, more foreigners are expected to come in,” said Morente. “Do not abuse the country’s hospitality. Legalize your stay lest face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting.” he warned.
Lee will be held at the BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending deportation proceedings.
BI to inaugurate new office in Makati
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to inaugurate its new office located in a mall in Makati City.
BI Makati Chief Maria Rhodora Abrazaldo announced the transfer of the BI Makati Extension Office from its old location along J.P. Rizal Avenue to the 5th level of the Ayala Circuit Mall starting April 25.
The said extension office caters to the Top 1000 corporations in the Philippines, and has consistently been one of the top performing BI offices in the past years.
According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the transfer is very timely, as they are expecting the business sector to once again flourish, following the country’s reopening of its borders.
“Foreign investors are expected to return now that we are transitioning to the new normal,” said Morente. “Hence we see the move to a bigger office as a necessary step to provide better service,” he added.
Apart from the Makati Office, the new BI Main Office located along the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard is expected to be opened soon.
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