Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday cautioned foreigners against entities fraudulently asking for “immigration assistance” fees which the agency does not collect.
This comes after the bureau was notified of a Philippine-based company reportedly demanding for such payments from its foreign employees.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente did not name the firm, but said they were able to obtain a copy of the document showing a breakdown of the fees being charged. The company is allegedly asking for ₱5,000 for airport assistance, another ₱5,000 as processing fee, and ₱20,000 for a Department of Foreign Affairs invitation letter.
“It seems that this company is using the name of government agencies to be able to charge such high rates to its employees,” he said in a statement.
The BI is now studying possible legal actions against the firm, he added.
Morente also urged the public to be wary of scammers and to immediately report to authorities any information on the scheme.
