Philippines to tighten visa control for Chinese nationals in move expected to spark retaliation from Beijing

Analysts warn that the immigration policy should not be seen as Sinophobic as Manila had the right to filter visas. Authorities say the action was aimed at combating fraud, and in particular, a rampant offshore gaming sector that also preys on Chinese tourists.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday announced stricter visa controls for Chinese nationals that will kick in next week, citing the discovery of fraudulent immigration applications that had led to illegal entry and overstaying of foreigners.

“A major challenge is fake documents, particularly from the Chinese side,” Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Gary Domingo said. “To help remedy this, we are actually looking at a best practice used by other foreign embassies such as Japan, South Korea, the US and UK – and they also require applicants to submit a social insurance certificate.”

Asked on Thursday by reporters if the new policy was linked to Beijing’s growing aggression in the South China Sea and the alleged potential sleeper cells operating in Cagayan, Domingo clarified that the crackdown was not related to national security.

The DFA, according to Domingo, will continue to require the “presentation of proof for financial capacity with employment certificate and bank statements”, but authorities will be more vigilant in “scrutinising” applicants’ documents.

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Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and lecturer at the Department of International Studies of De La Salle University, described the government’s action as an added layer of protection amid growing concerns of Chinese activities in the country, including the Pogo operations.

“This comes at a time when China