Foreigners reminded to report to BI

January 2, 2019

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded all foreign nationals registered with the agency to report in person to the nearest immigration office starting January until March 1, 2019

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the annual report of aliens is required under the 1950 Alien Registration Act, and non-compliance may result in fines or cancellation of the registration.

Morente explained that all BI-registered aliens are required to report to the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest participating BI field, satellite or extension office from their place within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

BI-registered aliens are resident foreign nationals who have been issued immigrant or non-immigrant visas and are holders of the alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card).

Morente added that in the annual report, each alien must present his original ACR I-Card and his valid passport and pay a P300 annual report fee and P10 legal research fee.

“Foreigners who are out of the country during the annual reporting period may make the report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, provided they have valid re-entry permits,” the BI chief added.

Aliens below 14 years old are exempted from personal appearance and it shall be the duty of their parent or guardian to make the report on their behalf.  Senior citizens aged 65 years old and above are likewise exempted, but are nevertheless required to pay the fees and fill out the form.

Jose Carlitos Licas, BI Alien Registration Divison (ARD) chief    appealed to all registered foreigners to avoid rush in filing the annual report.  “It has always been an issue that people file on the last few days of the annual report period, making the process burdensome for everyone,” said Licas.  “We are urging foreigners to avoid deadline rush by making their report earlier,” he added.

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