Over 130,000 foreigners in PH recorded in BI’s 2021 annual report

MANILA, Philippines — More than 130,000 foreign nationals appeared before different offices of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) nationwide to file their annual report (AR) for 2021, the agency said Sunday.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said a total of 130,148 foreign nationals participated in this year’s annual report in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950 which directs all foreigners registered with the BI to report in person to the bureau within the first 60 days of the year.

However, the figure for this year was lower by 25 percent as compared to the 169,890 foreigners who filed their AR last year, according to Morente.

“This is not surprising as many of these registered aliens were stranded abroad as a result of worldwide COVID-19 travel restrictions,” he said in a statement.

He added that those who failed to file their AR because they are abroad may still report to BI offices within 30 days of their return to the Philippines.

Without disclosing figures, BI Alien Registration Division Chief Jose Carlitos Licas said Chinese nationals topped foreigners who appeared at the BI followed by Indians, Americans, Taiwanese, and South Koreans.

Also in the list of top foreigners who filed their AR are Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Malaysians, and Germans.

Morente explained that under the Alien Registration Act, foreign nationals who hold valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas issued by the BI and who were issued alien certificates of registration, are required to file the AR.

He warned that those who will not comply with this requirement may face sanctions, including fines, visa cancellation, deportation, and even imprisonment.

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/MUF