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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider BI intercepts 'fake pilgrims' bound for Saudi Arabia

BI intercepts 'fake pilgrims' bound for Saudi Arabia

Published Oct 18, 2025 05:03 pm
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) a female “trafficking victim” and her suspected recruiter before they could board their flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) identified the “victim” as alias “Aya,” 21, who attempted to depart last Oct. 11 together with her alleged uncle, alias “Abu,” 28.
The BI said that both of them claimed to be traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for pilgrimage, and presented Umrah visas. An Umrah visa is a special permit that allows Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage.
However, they were intercepted upon secondary checks performed by I-PROBES officers due to reliable intelligence information received by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) that “Aya” is actually bound for Saudi Arabia to work as a household service worker.
During the interview with immigration officers, “Aya” revealed that she is a former household helper in Marawi, but already left her current employer.
“Aya” and “Abu” were turned over to the IACAT for further investigation.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau is now conducting an investigation as to whether an immigration officer is involved in the trafficking incident.
Viado said: “We have strengthened our safeguards with multiple layers of monitoring to prevent any form of human trafficking. Those found complicit in the illegal deployment of Filipinos will be held fully accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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