Despite allegations that the Philippine tourism industry is on a decline, foreigners visiting the country are opting to extend their stay here beyond the period of their visa, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

               BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. disclosed that from January to July this year, the BI visa extension office processed and approved a total of 81,287 applications for extension of stay by foreign tourists.

               David said the number of approved visa extensions in the first seven months was 20,804 or 34-percent higher than the 60,483 extensions of stay that were granted during the same period in 2010.

             More than 26,000 foreigners are prersently studying in various schools throughout the country, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

             Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. disclosed that more than 17,000 college enrollees account for the bulk of the foreign students while the rest are studying in the elementary and high school or taking short-term language courses.

             David said those enrolled in college are holders of student visa while elementary and high school students are issued special study permits (SSPs).

            The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that 35 foreign fugitives wanted for various crimes in their homelands have been arrested since the start of the year.

              Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the alien fugitives were arrested from January to July in separate operations conducted by operatives of the BI fugitive search unit (FSU).

             A specialized unit under the BI intelligence division, the FSU’s exclusive task is to run after foreign fugitives who have been hiding in the country to evade prosecution for crimes committed in their homelands.

            The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will deport a Japanese national wanted by authorities in his country for car theft.

            Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. identified the fugitive as 34-year-old Hideto Ozawa, who is presently detained at the BI detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City.

            David said Ozawa, who had hidden in the country for five years, will be deported as soon as the BI board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation.