The Bureau of Immigration (BI) renewed its warning against leaving the country through unauthorized channels after 11 Filipinos were repatriated from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on 16 June.

The group arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay aboard a Philippines AirAsia flight.

Initial interviews showed that six of the repatriates had left the Philippines through an irregular migration corridor more commonly known as backdoor, bypassing legal procedures before seeking work in Malaysia.

According to immigration authorities, the repatriates worked in various occupations, including construction, mechanical, and maritime-related jobs, while one female repatriate was recruited as an entertainer. Most reported that they did not receive any salary during their employment abroad.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case highlights the risks faced by Filipinos who leave the country through backdoor routes in search of overseas employment.

"Unscrupulous recruiters continue to prey on Filipinos by promising jobs abroad while encouraging them to bypass legal departure processes," Viado said.

"Those who take these illegal routes often end up vulnerable to exploitation, unpaid labor, abuse, and abandonment, with little protection from authorities. We strongly urge our kababayans to pursue overseas employment only through legal and documented channels," the BI chief added.