BI tells registered foreigners: Comply with annual report or face sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday reminded all registered foreigners in the country to report to the bureau in person or face sanctions for failing to comply.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said foreign nationals can make their annual report to the agency from the beginning of January 2020 until the end of February this year.

Under the 1950 Alien Registration Act, all foreigners who have been issued immigrant and non-immigrant visas and were issued alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) are mandated to comply with the annual report within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

Failure to do so may may result in fines, visa cancelation, or deportation.

Registered aliens may report to the bureau’s main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest participating BI field, satellite or extension office.

The list of BI offices can be accessed at their website www.immigration.gov.ph, Morente said.

“Foreigners who are out of the country during the annual reporting period may make the report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, provided they have valid re-entry permits,” Morente added.

According to BI alien registration division chief Jose Carlitos Licas, registered foreigners must present his original ACR I-Card and valid passport as well as pay a P300-annual report fee and P10-legal research fee.

For aliens below the age of 14, Licas said their parent or guardian can make the report for them.

Meanwhile, senior citizens and persons with disability are exempted from personal appearance, he noted.

But they are required to submit a Special Power of Attorney for their representative, he added.

Licas then urged foreigners to make their report early and avoid the deadline rush.

He pointed out that there are ample time for aliens to comply with the reportorial requirement.

“The deadline is not extendible as the law clearly provides that the report should last only for 60 days,” he stressed.

Edited by JE