Bureau of Immigration welcomes deferment of new guidelines on departure formalities for travel abroad
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco on Thursday, Aug. 31, welcomed the suspension of the implementation starting Sept. 3 of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Filipino Travelers.
Tansingco said he has informed all immigration officers of the suspension issued by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) in response to the request of the Senate.
“We respect the resolution of the Senate to suspend the implementation of the guidelines, and we are working with other members of the inter-agency to be able to address any concern or clarification that the public might have,” he said.
“The IACAT also sees this as a good opportunity to be able to highlight the realities of human trafficking, and welcomes the discussion on how the government, as a whole, can combat this societal ill,” he added.
Contrary to public perception, Tansingco assured that the revised guidelines “do not curtail the right to travel, as the IACAT, through the BI, only ensures that departing Filipinos are properly documented based on their actual purpose of travel.”
“The same guidelines have been in effect since 2012, and revised in 2015, and the same metrics are being used by our immigration officers until present,” he explained.
Meanwhile, 108 new immigration officers graduated on Thursday, Aug. 31, after undergoing training at the Philippine Immigration Academy.
"Today marks a significant milestone as we welcome 108 new immigration officers to our dedicated team,” Tansingco said during the graduation ceremony held at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Pasay City.
“These graduates have exhibited commitment throughout their training, and we are confident in their abilities to serve our nation and protect our borders with unwavering dedication,” he said.
He also said: "These officers will play a crucial role in upholding our immigration laws, ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate travelers, and safeguarding the integrity of our nation's immigration system."