RP gives residency to RI immigrants

RP gives residency to RI immigrants

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines has given permanent residency to thousands of Indonesian immigrants who entered the country illegally years ago but have reported themselves to authorities, immigration officials said on Friday.

The government estimated six years ago that more than 7,000 Indonesians were staying in southern Mindanao island without travel papers, Deputy Immigration Commissioner Teodoro Delarmente said in a statement.

The Philippines' second largest island shares the Celebes Sea border with northern Indonesian islands.

Delarmente said 2,448 of those illegals had been issued alien certificates of registration that gave them permanent residency status.

"They have virtually assimilated themselves into Philippine society as they speak the local dialect fluently and many have sired children with Filipino spouses," the bureau said. --AFP