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The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration has ordered almost 3,000 Chinese nationals to leave, after their 30-day visas given to tourists upon arrival lapsed.
More than half of those ordered to leave were blacklisted from the Philippines for failing to present sufficient basis for their stay, Immigration chief Jaime Morente said in a statement Tuesday. The visa-upon-arrival program -- launched three years ago to lure Chinese tourists and accounts for 5% of arrivals from China -- remains suspended due to the pandemic, he said.
The Southeast Asian nation has recently been scrutinizing special visas given to Chinese nationals, following lawmakers' concerns over security and illegal employment in online casinos. It suspended processing of retirement visas for foreigners after the Senate found out that 28,000 Chinese nationals as young as 35 year old were given privileges.
Pandemic Threatens to Burst Philippines' Online Gaming Bubble
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