BI reminds expats of annual showup

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reminded registered foreign nationals to report in person to the agency starting in January.

They can make an appointment by logging onto the bureau’s online appointment system at e-services.immigration.gov.ph, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

“As with all other transactions, we will not allow the entry of walk-in foreigners who wish to make their annual report [AR]. They have to obtain their schedule via our online appointment system,” he said.

“Eight hundred slots for the AR is reserved per day, while Saturdays are reserved for those availing [themselves of] the services of accredited entities, as well as remote AR for bulk applicants,” Morente added.

The AR is in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950, which requires all foreigners with immigrant and nonimmigrant visas to report in person to the bureau within the first 60 days of every calendar year. The annual report period for 2021 will be from Jan. 1 to March 1.

“Failure to do so may result in fines, visa cancellation, deportation or imprisonment,” Morente warned.

According to Morente, remote AR may be requested by embassies or foreign groups, and can be considered if the number of reportees exceeds 10. Aside from the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila, foreign nationals may also report to selected field, satellite, or extension offices.