BI sets registration of foreigners

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has set the dates for annual registration of foreigners residing in the country.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said all foreigners must personally report to the nearest BI office starting today until March 1.

Morente said foreign nationals in the country are required to comply with the 1950 Alien Registration Act, otherwise they would be fined.

BI-registered aliens are those who have been issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas. They are holders of the alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card).

They should present their original ACR I-Card and valid passport and must pay P300 in annual report fee as well as P10 legal research fee.

“Foreigners who are out of the country during the annual reporting period should appear at any BI office 30 days from the date of their return to the country, provided they have valid re-entry permits,” Morente said.

Foreigners below 14 years old are exempted from personally appearing at the BI office. But it is the duty of their parent or guardian to file the report on their behalf.

Senior citizens aged 65 years and above are also exempted from appearing. But they are required to pay the fees and fill out the form.

Morente asked foreigners to avoid the rush in filing the annual report.

“Two months is a long time. There is no reason for foreigners to miss the deadline. Those who will fail to comply will be sanctioned,” he said.