Foreign deportations double in H1 2025 — BI

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reported a sharp rise in the number of foreign nationals deported during the first half of 2025, with figures nearly doubling compared to the same period last year.

From January to June, a total of 1,422 foreign nationals were deported for various immigration violations—up from 717 in the same period in 2024.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said most of those deported were caught working illegally, particularly in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which are currently banned.

Topping the list were 957 Chinese nationals, followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese.

“Our strengthened deportation protocols follow the President’s directive to swiftly remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality,” said Viado. “We will continue to act decisively against those who violate our laws.”

The BI has recently overhauled its deportation process, speeding up coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, resolving questionable cases faster, and working closely with embassies for the issuance of travel documents.

A new detention facility for arrested aliens was also opened to handle the growing number of apprehended individuals.

Meanwhile, on July 22, the BI reported the arrest of two undocumented Sudanese nationals in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Moneeb Ahmed Mohamed Yousif, 32, was found overstaying, while Zaki Azhari Elzubair Basheer, 41, was charged with harboring an illegal alien.

Both are currently held at the BI detention center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, and face inquest proceedings prior to their deportation.