By Ariel Fernandez
Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel stationed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) urged alien residents planning to spend Chinese New Year abroad to process their re-entry fees in any of the Bureau’s offices before proceeding to the airport.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina issued the appeal following the expected annual surge in volume of travelers lining up to pay their re-entry fees to immigration cashiers at the departure areas of the three NAIA terminals.
Median added they were expecting a surge of Chinese residents in the Philippines who may wish to spend the Chinese New Year abroad.
“It may result to heavy congestion of our airports, which could be avoided if they process and pay their fees before heading to the airport,” he said.
The Philippines is host to tens of thousands of Chinese immigrants and non-immigrants. In 2018 alone, a total of 1.3 million Chinese nationals were recorded to have entered the country.
Medina shared that they expect a 10- to 15-percent increase in departures during the Chinese New Year. “Last year we saw a 14 percent increase in departures, this year the increase might be more or less the same,” he stated.
Immigration policies require foreign nationals who are registered holders of valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas to pay exit and re-entry permits every time they leave the country.
These foreign nationals are required to present official receipts of their re-entry permit fees before they are cleared for departure, otherwise they are directed to first pay their fees to BI cashiers at the airport.
He mentioned that re-entry fees can be paid at the BI main office in Manila and in immigration field, satellite and extension offices nationwide.
“The BI has almost 60 offices nationwide that may cater to this need. It’s a very quick process, which will only take a few minutes. We also have offices located in malls and other convenient locations,” he said.
“Coming to the airport with the receipt at hand makes processing faster, allowing departing aliens to avoid the rush and relax before their flight,” he added.
It has been customary practice for many Chinese nationals living abroad to visit their homeland for the Chinese New Year which will be celebrated on January 25