BI gets strict on aliens’ database
The BI must be the central repository of data on foreign nationals who were issued visas, a major step for the agency that monitors aliens
All agencies that process and issue visas are required to submit all data to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Commissioner Jaime Morente announced that following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) resolution on the inventory of foreign nationals, visa-issuing agencies are mandated to provide the BI their list of clients.
Morente said there are government agencies that issue visas without the need to register with the BI.
“In the past, it was difficult for the agency to come up with a full report on the number of foreign nationals in the Philippines,” he said. “This move will allow the BI to be the central repository of data on foreign nationals who were issued visas. This is a major step for the Bureau as it has always been a challenge in monitoring aliens.”
For the meantime, all data will be transmitted manually but the BI is looking at automated sharing in the future.
Starting 1 March, the IATF will also require all departing foreign nationals with visas issued by the Department of Justice, Board of Investments, Philippine Retirement Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority and economic zones to present their travel passes before exit.
Exempted from the requirement are those holding an Emigration Exit Clearance because they are leaving for good, Morente added.
Those with valid and existing Special Visa for Employment Generation and Special Investor’s Resident Visa shall also be allowed entry without the need to present an entry exemption document. However, requirements in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic are added to regular immigration documents.
Foreigners with valid and existing visas are also reminded to present unexpired reentry permits (RP) or special return certificates (SRC) upon their arrival or they shall be denied entry and must board the first available flights to ports of origin.
RP and SRC, valid for one year, are issued to aliens who are holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas, respectively — secured and paid prior to their departure from the Philippines.
Aliens with expired RP and SRC can regain their privileges to reenter the country by asking their authorized representatives to renew their permits at the BI main office and in satellite and extension offices.
Scores of foreigners were denied entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during the past days for having expired reentry permits.
All departing foreign nationals with visas issued by the Department of Justice, Board of Investments, Philippine Retirement Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority and economic zones must present travel passes before exit.
On Thursday alone, the BI port operations division reported that eight Chinese nationals were prevented entry at the NAIA Terminal 1 due to expired SRC. They all left the country in January 2020 and failed to renew their permits.