Chinese arrivals in the Philippines increased by 20%

Chinese arrivals in the Philippines reached 500,082 in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023. This rise occurred despite a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and other challenges faced by Chinese nationals. The Department of Tourism noted that more flights and a new cruise visa waiver program contributed to the increase. However, arrivals remain significantly lower than the pre-pandemic peak of 1.9 million in 2019. The Bureau of Immigration is intensifying deportations of foreign nationals linked to Pogos, following a nationwide ban that began on January 1. Recent incidents, including a kidnapping case, have raised concerns about the impact on Philippine-China relations.