BI to implement suspension of entry of foreign nationals into PH

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to implement the order temporarily banning the entry of foreign nationals into the country as a preemptive move to combat the spread of coronavirus.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the suspension of visa issuance and visa-free privileges for foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines would be implemented starting March 22.

“We will be implementing it in 48 hours, or 12 mn of March 22, 2020 to give ample time to the DFA to inform foreign posts and embassies,” Morente said in a statement.

Morente added that the immigration bureau will also implement a temporary restriction on the entry of “foreign nationals who have converted to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, those under visa waiver agreements, as well as special visa holders.”

“Only Filipinos, their spouse and children, foreign diplomats, and foreign crew members will be allowed entry,” Morente said.

BI said that currently, nationals of 157 countries enjoy visa-free privileges, with South Korea being the top arrival in the country with more than 2.1 million arrivals in 2019.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier released a foreign circular that temporarily suspended the issuance of visas and visa-free privileges which essentially bans foreigners from entering the country until April 12 after the government placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine as part of its measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Meanwhile, overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans and foreigners will be allowed to leave the country through any port in Luzon. However, they should be able to show proof of their international travel itinerary.