Immigration law amendment pushed
We are pushing the amendment of this old law in the Senate to improve the immigration services and to protect the Filipinos and the country from any challenge that may occur
As the Senate is set to open its session on 27 July, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go renewed the call to amend the
80-year-old Philippine Immigration Act.
In a statement, Go underscored the need to improve the immigration system in the country as the government should address new and increasing threats.
“We are pushing the amendment of this old law in the Senate to improve the immigration services and to protect the Filipinos and the country from any challenge that may occur,” he said.
“This bill was approved in 1940 which is almost 80 years ago. A lot of things have happened and many things may happen in the future that is why we need an appropriate law and make the immigration services modern,” he added.
The Bureau of Immigration is our first line of defense. Threats from foreigners are evolving. The government should place measures that are will prevent these modern crimes to protect the Filipinos against terrorism and other forms of crime that they bring in the country.
Go filed Senate Bill (SB) 1649 or the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act of 2020 to provide improved guidelines to closely monitor foreigners coming inside the country, such as for those who are entering the Philippines either for tourism or long-term stay.
The lawmaker explained that the bill will create a system of documentation and prescribe better procedures and requirements for admission of immigrants and nonimmigrants.
He also underscored the need for this law to prevent the occurrence of crimes such as child sexual abuse and cross-border terrorism.
“The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is our first line of defense. Threats from foreigners are evolving. The government should place measures that are will prevent these modern crimes to protect the Filipinos against terrorism and other forms of crime that they bring in the country,” he said.
Go also said that SB 1649 will cover categories of non-immigrants and types of visas, such as temporary visitors, transit persons, treaty traders and investors, accredited government officials, students, pre-arranged employment, religious workers, representatives of accredited international organizations and government agencies, media workers, exchange visitors, refugees and special non-immigrants.
The lawmaker also emphasized that the bill will include an increase in the salary grades of the Immigration officers.
He stated that this will prevent corruption inside the BI and they will be given the capacity to improve their working system.