THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has found no anomalies in the issuance of visas to foreign nationals.
This was stated by BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval during an interview on the Bagong Pilipinas program, addressing concerns raised by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
Barbers suggested that Executive Order 285, signed by former President Joseph Estrada, which allows the BI to convert tourist visas into student visas, might be subject to abuse.
Sandoval clarified that, based on their assessment, the visa issuance process is a standard procedure within the agency.
She emphasized that this process is conducted in collaboration with other members of the inter-agency committee on foreign students.
Furthermore, Sandoval noted that any potential changes to the visa acquisition process are discussed within the inter-agency committee, which is led by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), for their recommendations.
The BI spokesperson reassured the public that the current visa issuance practices are part of regular operations and are handled with the appropriate oversight and coordination among relevant government bodies. (GP)
