The Bureau of Immigration arrested nine Korean nationals who were reported to be illegally working in a language school, stores and restaurants in Parañaque City.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the Koreans arrived in the country as tourists but were discovered to be employed here without a working permit.
“Initial investigation revealed that these aliens are either tourists, undocumented or holders of work visas acquired through misrepresentation,” Morente said, adding that they will undergo deportation proceedings for violating the conditions of their stay in the country.
Those arrested were identified as Seongjin Chung, Heakyung Pyun, Doyeon Kim, Myoungkyu Seong, Eun Kyung Lee, Kwan Soo Heo, Jeong Dong Kim, Sanghwan Pyun, and Song Min Sup.
Morente reiterated his warning to foreign nationals not to violate the country’s immigration and labor laws by working without the proper permits and visas, or they will be deported and blacklisted.
BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval disclosed that the operation was conducted by the Intelligence Division due to complaints received by the Bureau about several Koreans working in various stores and other establishments in the said subdivision.
“Operatives from the BI’s Intelligence Division led by their Chief, Fortunato Manahan Jr., conducted surveillance activities to verify reports received about illegal aliens in the area,” said Sandoval.
“It was an entire street of foreigners who are improperly documented,” she said.
She added that three of the nine Koreans held only tourist visas, while three others had working visas, but were not working for the employers who petitioned them.
“The status of the three other Koreans are still being verified,” she said.
Sandoval explained that foreign nationals are required to secure a work visa before engaging in commercial activities in the country.