Rep Barbers calls for repeal of EO 285 over visa abuse concerns

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers has called for the repeal of former President Joseph Estrada's Executive Order 285, which grants the Bureau of Immigration (BI) the authority to convert tourist visas into student visas.

Barbers argues that EO 285 can be abused by unscrupulous personnel for monetary gain and cites the issuance of 16,190 student visas to Chinese nationals in 2023 as an example of unacceptable practices.

He believes that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should have sole authority to determine eligibility for visa conversions due to its expertise in assessing foreign applicants.

There are growing concerns over the influx of Chinese students, particularly those near sensitive military areas like Cagayan, where two new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Arrangement (EDCA) sites have been established.

The BI has issued 1,516 student visas to Chinese nationals in Cagayan province alone, with only a small percentage physically attending classes at schools there.