BI to cut workforce, working hours during ECQ
By Jun Ramirez
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that its main office as well as its extension offices in Metro Manila will again operate on a skeleton staff and shortened working hours once the region is placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the new work scheme is in compliance with President Duterte's directive to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.
Morente said that effective immediately, BI offices in NCR shall maintain a skeleton workforce of at least 30 percent of their operational capacity.
He added that beginning Aug. 6, the said offices will operate on shortened working hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., instead of until 5 p.m.
Morente has also banned dine-in services for customers of canteens and food kiosks at the BI main building in Intramuros, Manila.
He advised employees and clients who are more than 60 years of age, pregnant, and with comorbidities and immunodeficiency disorders to just stay home.
BI clients can still transact with the bureau by applying for slots via its online appointment system.
“We will remain strict in seeing to it that our employees and clients follow the minimum health protocols such as the wearing of face mask and face shield and observing social distancing. Those who do not observe these protocols will be sent home,” Morente warned.