Philippines Reviews China Visa-Free Entry Over POGO Concerns

The Philippines will review its visa-free entry arrangement for Chinese nationals after raids on suspected illegal offshore gaming operations raised concerns that the policy could be exploited to facilitate criminal activities. Malacañang Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had been asked to assess whether the 14-day visa-free arrangement was creating risks for the country. The referral followed enforcement operations that resulted in plans to deport 101 foreign nationals, including 82 Chinese citizens who allegedly entered the Philippines under the scheme.