The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has amended its citizen’s charter to comply with the anti-red tape act that mandates all government agencies to ensure the prompt and efficient delivery of services to the public.
In a statement Sunday, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. explained the changes were made to conform to revised documentary requirements and procedures prescribed for the different types of visas and immigration documents processed by the bureau.
David said the amended charter was important to the bureau since its main clientele were foreigners who either visit, stay or do business in the country.
“Our bureau is the show window of the Philippines to the international community, thus it is imperative that our services are delivered promptly, efficiently and with full transparency and accountability,” David said.
The citizen’s charter contains information to guide the transacting public through the various frontline services of the agency.
These include the various steps in applying for a tourist visa extension and clearances; arrival and departure certification; visa implementation; student visa extension and special study permit; amendment of admission status; visa downgrading, and waiver of exclusion, among others.
In a memorandum, David instructed all bureau field and district offices across the country to immediately and strictly implement the charter’s provisions.
He advised the parties concerned to view or download the charter from the BI website at www.immigration.gov.ph to be guided accordingly.