I hear a lot of people here on various types of visas who don’t really worry much about keeping it up to date. I don’t know why, but they don’t go and take care of the paperwork with BOI as they should, etc. Maybe they are leery of going to the BOI because of the extortion and corruption we talked about the other day. Whatever the reason for the laxity, they need to re-evaluate.
Yesterday, the BOI deported 27 illegal aliens from the country, sending them home due to many reasons, but primarily because they violated immigration laws. No big deal, right? Well, let me tell you more, and then maybe you’ll think twice.
Many of these foreigners had spent significant time in Philippine jails before being deported. Some of these folks had deportation orders issued two or three years ago, but the Government never got around to deporting them until now when the detention center is getting overcrowded.
These folks included Americans, British, Swedish and others from Western Countries. They were convicted of immigration violations and issued deportation orders, but instead of being deported immediately, they were held in prison for up to 3 years. Now, that IS a big deal, don’t you think? Who was to blame? The foreigners themselves were to blame in my opinion, because they did not obey the law. They didn’t renew their visas, check in with the BOI yearly, or whatever.
My advice to you – don’t mess around. Follow the law, or you may face unwanted penalties!
And what part of not understanding that they are guests in that country did they not get? 😐
My guess is that Philippine jails are not nice. And it's silly because it is so easy to keep your visa current. Yes, it may require a plane flight every year, but, as I understand it, that's about all (beyond regular visits to BOI).
HI Tom – Yep, and for a permanent resident like me you don't even need the plane ticket, just a once per year check in with the BOI, and you are up to date.
And, hey… I've seen the inside of a Philippine jail, and you are right, not nice at all. Don't worry, I wasn't incarcerated, but rather just a guest touring the place. 😆
Hi Bob:
Your advise to follow the law is prudent no matter where you are, as a foreigner or a citizen.:wink:
Hi Wayne – No doubt! 🙂
This is funny! I never get the idea of a foreigner being an illegal alien in here. Filipinos do that in the US for reason. But for a foreigner TNT (Tago ng tago)? thats really funny. 😆
Hi Jerico – Believe it or not, there are lots of foreigners who are illegal here! They have their reasons as well!
There is also a fine for overstaying. Which may cost you thousands in US$.
Hi Bobby – Actually, the fines are very low, nowhere near that amount.
I heard the daily food budget is about P40 per inmate.
Hi Bobby – I never heard about that before, but it doesn't surprise me!
Hi. I know alot of foreigners here that are almost 2 years over stayed in the country….but to be honest, there are some reasons in which we have to consider. Most Filipinos thought white guys are rich or money is just nothing…so it must be very easy for them to sort out their visas…but the reality is that there are some who cannot even pay their visas and even passport because of very unlucky inccidents here. I know some here in Baguio that is trying to work hard to earn a living just to pay for his renewal but honestly his money isnt enough. He arrived here in the Philippines with lots of money but he was robbed and skinned! I hope Westeners here would have an organization that would help and protect other westeners that are not as lucky as most are. Please i want to help them, but me alone isnt enough. Let us all help those who were victimized.
Hi Charlene – Perhaps your friend could check in with his country's Embassy and see if they can offer him any assistance with his visa problem. Getting that resolved is something that would be quite important.
i'm just reply to bobby yeah the fines are low very low i overstayed almost 2 years because of financial problems and my bill was about $800 USD thank god i got that taken care of and got my 13a visa