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MANILA, Philippines—A popular Indian singer was arrested for holding a benefit concert for “Yolanda” victims without a work permit, the Bureau of Immigration said Friday.
Tejinder Sing Maan, popularly known as Babbu Maan, and his companion held a concert on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay, said Immigration Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison.
“Singh and his company appeared to have engaged in gainful activity by performing in a revenue generating concert last Dececmber 4 without procuring a Special Working Permit (SWP) from the Philippine government,” said Miso.
He said ticket for the concert were sold at P2,500 to P3,500.
An Immigration supervisor had informed Singh and his group when they arrived Tuesday about the requirements needed for performances by foreign artists in the country. But Mison said Singh’s group ignored the reminder.
The Immigration has relaxed its rules for foreigners wanting to raise funds for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” victims. But Immigration Spokesperson Maria Angelica Pedro said there was also no indication in the ticket that it was a benefit concert.
Singh and his group will remain at the Immigration’s holding center in Bicutan pending deportation order.