Bureau of Immigration Urges Inter-Agency Meeting to Address Security Issues
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has expressed the need for an urgent inter-agency meeting to address security concerns arising from the reported increase in the number of Chinese students studying in the Philippines. Tansingco has specifically requested the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which chairs the Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students (IACFS), to convene a high-level meeting to clarify the responsibilities of each agency in granting permission for foreigners to study in the country.
According to Tansingco, the purpose of the meeting is to emphasize the bureau’s previous requests for joint inspections and to make these inspections a regular practice within the IACFS, considering the new developments in national security concerns. He also believes that it is crucial for the inter-agency committee to actively address matters of national security by including security assessments as a regular agenda item in their meetings.
Tansingco’s request comes in response to the significant number of Chinese students studying in Tuguegarao, which has prompted both houses of Congress to call for an investigation. The Bureau of Immigration has reported that 1,516 Chinese students have been granted student visas in Cagayan, all of whom were endorsed by a major Philippine university. However, as of April, only 485 of these students were enrolled, with only 96 of them currently present in the country with valid student visas.
“The Philippine government has been actively promoting the country as a regional and global education hub. As a result, there have been national campaigns that have significantly contributed to the increase in the number of foreign students studying in the country,” stated Tansingco.
In 2023 alone, the Bureau of Immigration issued a total of 24,189 student visas to students from various nationalities, with 16,190 of them being granted to Chinese students, the majority of whom chose to study in the National Capital Region.
The governing law on foreign students in the Philippines is Executive Order 285, s. 2000, which established the Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students, chaired by CHED. Other members of this inter-agency committee include the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Education.
Schools that admit foreign nationals as students are required to regularly submit reports on their students to all the agencies under the IACFS. The Bureau of Immigration utilizes this data to monitor visa compliance, while CHED ensures compliance with education-related policies. The NBI and NICA are responsible for investigating any suspicious activities.
Ensuring National Security and Immigration Compliance
The recent surge in the number of Chinese students studying in the Philippines has raised concerns regarding national security and immigration compliance. While the Philippine government has actively promoted the country as an attractive destination for international students, it is crucial to strike a balance between educational opportunities and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
The call for an inter-agency meeting by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco reflects the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns. By convening the relevant agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education, the Bureau of Immigration, and law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the aim is to establish a comprehensive approach to managing foreign students in the country.
The Role of the Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students
Executive Order 285, s. 2000, serves as the governing law for foreign students in the Philippines. Under this order, the Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students (IACFS) was established, with CHED leading the committee. The IACFS consists of various government agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Education.
One of the primary responsibilities of the IACFS is to ensure the compliance of schools that admit foreign students. These schools are required to submit regular reports to all the agencies under the IACFS. The Bureau of Immigration utilizes this data to monitor the visa compliance of foreign students, while CHED ensures that the educational institutions adhere to the relevant policies and guidelines.
Additionally, the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency play crucial roles in investigating any suspicious activities related to foreign students. This multi-agency approach ensures that national security concerns are effectively addressed while maintaining a conducive environment for international students.
Addressing the Concerns on Chinese Students in Tuguegarao
The recent focus on Chinese students studying in Tuguegarao has prompted both houses of Congress to call for an investigation. The Bureau of Immigration has reported that a significant number of Chinese students have been granted student visas in Cagayan, all of whom were endorsed by a major Philippine university. However, it has been observed that only a fraction of these students are currently enrolled and present in the country with valid student visas.
This situation raises questions about the processes involved in granting student visas and the subsequent monitoring of visa compliance. The inter-agency meeting proposed by Commissioner Tansingco aims to address these concerns and ensure that the relevant agencies collaborate effectively to safeguard national security.
The Importance of Security Assessments
Commissioner Tansingco’s call for security assessments to be included as a regular agenda item in the inter-agency meetings is a significant step towards enhancing national security measures. By actively considering security concerns and conducting joint inspections, the government can proactively identify and address potential risks.
Ensuring the safety of both foreign students and the host country is of utmost importance. By conducting security assessments, the relevant agencies can identify any vulnerabilities or potential threats and take appropriate actions to mitigate them. This proactive approach will not only enhance national security but also contribute to a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, the Bureau of Immigration’s call for an urgent inter-agency meeting to address security concerns arising from the influx of Chinese students in the Philippines reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring national security and immigration compliance. By convening the relevant agencies and emphasizing the importance of security assessments, the aim is to strike a balance between providing educational opportunities and safeguarding the nation. Through collaborative efforts and proactive measures, the government can effectively manage foreign students while maintaining a secure environment for all.
Source: The Manila Times
