Nearly 1,500 foreigners deported in first half of 2025

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported 1,422 foreign nationals in the first half of 2025, more than double the 717 deported during the same period last year.

Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the intensified deportation drive follows the President’s directive to swiftly remove foreigners who threaten national security or public interest.

Most of those deported were Chinese nationals (957), followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese. Many were found illegally working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) firms despite an existing ban.

“Our strengthened deportation protocols follows the directive of the President to act swiftly and remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality,” said Viado, adding that the BI will continue expediting deportations.

The BI also reported improvements in deportation procedures, including faster case resolutions, coordination with embassies for travel documents, and the opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens.IMT