The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday confirmed the arrest of 39 Chinese nationals who were found working in a major telecommunications company without proper authorization on 29 May.

Authorities said the foreign workers failed to present valid travel documents during a raid in Bonifacio Global City led by the BI Intelligence Division and the Philippine National Police Southern Police District. The operation came after weeks of surveillance.

“Further verification also revealed that while the foreign nationals held working visas, these were issued under petitions from a different company, constituting a breach of the conditions of their stay,” the statement by BI read.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned that working without proper authorization or switching employers without approval is illegal and would be dealt with firmly.

The detainees have been processed and transferred to the BI detention center in Bicutan where they will face deportation proceedings.