Manila: The number of foreign nationals deported during the first half of 2025 has doubled compared to last year, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that data from the bureau's deportation and implementation unit (DIU) revealed a total of 1,422 foreign nationals were deported due to immigration violations during this period. This is a significant increase from the 717 deportees recorded during the same period in 2024.

Chinese nationals were the most affected group, with 957 individuals deported, followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese. Viado highlighted that the majority of deportations involved foreigners found to be illegally working in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) despite a ban on such activities.

Viado emphasized the bureau's commitment to adhering to the President's directive to act swiftly against foreigners who abuse the hospitality of the Filipino people. He assured that the BI would continue to expedite the deportation process for foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws.

The BI has reported improvements in deportation procedures, including the fast-tracking of clearances in partnership with the National Bureau of Investigation, the immediate resolution of cases suspected to be filed under the 'demanda me' scheme, regular coordination with embassies for quick issuance of travel documents, and the opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens.

In a related development, Viado reported the arrest of two Sudanese nationals on July 22 in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Moneeb Ahmed Mohamed Yousif, 32, was found to be overstaying, while Zaki Azhari Elzubair Basheer, 41, was charged with harboring an illegal alien. Both individuals are detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, where they will undergo inquest proceedings and face deportation charges.