By Jun Ramirez
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded on Thursday all foreign nationals registered with the agency to report in person to the nearest immigration office beginning this January until the end of February this year.
Bureau of Immigration (MANILA BULLETIN)
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the annual report of aliens is required under the 1950 Alien Registration Act, and that failure to comply may result in fines, cancellation of visas, or deportation.
The BI chief said the law mandates all foreign nationals who have been issued immigrant and non-immigrant visas and were issued alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) must comply with the annual report within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
The reporting may be done at the BI’s main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest participating BI field, satellite or extension office, the list of which can be accessed at their website www.immigration.gov.ph.
“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,” the BI chief added.
Lawyer Jose Carlitos Licas, BI alien registration division chief, said that in making the report, an alien reportee must present his original ACR I-Card and valid passport and pay P300 annual report fee and P10 legal research fee.
As for aliens who are below 14 years of age, it shall be the duty of their parent or guardian to make the report on their behalf.
Senior citizens aged 65 years old, persons with disability, and are likewise exempted from personal appearance, but are required to submit a Special Power of Attorney for their representative.
Licas urged foreigners to make their report early and avoid the deadline rush so they won’t be inconvenienced.
He observed that there is ample time for aliens to comply with the reportorial requirement, adding that those who will fail will be sanctioned.
“The deadline is not extendible as the law clearly provides that the report should last only for 60 days,” he stressed.