Foreigners advised to secure re-entry permits early to avoid NAIA congestion
By Jun Ramirez
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) advised alien residents who will be celebrating the Chinese New Year abroad to secure re-entry permit prior to departure to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
BI port operations chief Carlos Capulong explained the advance payment of reentry fees would minimize overcrowding at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other ports.
The said permit can be secured at any BI field office nationwide, international airports, or at the 24-7 one-stop-shop office of the bureau at the NAIA.
Capulong said they are expecting heavy traffic of passengers, mostly Chinese, to fly abroad to celebrate the event.
Under the law, immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders are required to secure exit and reentry permits whenever they leave the country.
They included foreign students and workers as well as holders of Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I Card)
According to Capulong, departing residents have an option to secure said permits at the airports or at any of BI’s offices nationwide.
Capulong said securing the permits beforehand decreases processing time for residents, giving passengers more time to relax before their flight.
He added that the BI has also a 24/7 one stop shop located at the NAIA terminal 3, wherein departing passengers can secure their permits prior to departure.