The Philippine Bureau of Immigration apprehended a New Zealander and a Swiss national for managing a resort without appropriate work permits while holding tourist visas.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained a foreign couple for allegedly operating a business in Siargao while on tourist visas. According to a press release from Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the individuals identified are 41-year-old Teryn Jane Spencer from New Zealand and 38-year-old Dario Salvatore Di Capua of Switzerland. Both were arrested on July 1 during an enforcement operation led by the BI Intelligence Division’s Mindanao Regional Intelligence Operations Unit in San Isidro, Siargao, Surigao del Norte. The operation followed reports that the couple managed a homestay and café and conducted yoga sessions without the necessary work visas or permits. Although the couple claimed to be investors, investigations revealed their active role in managing the resort and interacting with customers, actions not permitted under their tourist visa status. Commissioner Viado emphasized that a tourist visa does not authorize employment or business activities in the Philippines. The BI stated their policy of welcoming visitors who comply with legal requirements but taking firm action, including arrest, deportation, and future bans, against those violating visa conditions. The couple is currently held by the BI and facing deportation proceedings for breaching their temporary visitor terms.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/994248/bi-arrests-foreign-couple-operating-siargao-resort-tourist-visas/story/