Filipino missionary workers: Ministry explains reasons behind expulsion

Unveiling reasons for expulsion of three Filipino missionary workers including two Convent principals, the Interior Ministry claimed that they violated the visa category. On 16 June the Interior Ministry cancelled the visas for three missionary workers namely Miraflor Aclan Bahan principal Islamabad Convent School sector F-8, Delia Coyoca Rubio principal Islamabad Convent sector H-8 and Elizabeth Umail Siguenza finance officer of H-8 Convent School and directed them to leave the country in 15 days.
The Ministry argued that the visas to the three were issued for missionary work but they were engaged in employment. Interior Ministry further argued that under section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946 and Article 3 (3) of the Foreigner Order, 1951, grant of visa is an exclusive prerogative of the Federal Government and it has the authority to grant or withdraw a visa. In a recent letter the Interior Ministry wrote to the Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese, alleging that the expulsion of the three missionaries was being used to undermine the Interior Ministry. The Interior Ministry also sought from the Bishop details about the pay, perks and report of tax returns of 'expelled' missionary workers.