News Archive
| BI tells foreigners to make annual report |
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30 December 2009 The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded yesterday all resident foreign nationals in the country that they have to report in person to the bureau beginning on Monday (Jan. 4) for their annual report, lest they face sanctions for being improperly documented aliens. In a memorandum order, BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the annual reporting of foreigners will be on Jan. 1 until March 1 next year in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950 which requires foreigners to report to the BI within the first 60 days of every calendar year. However, Jan. 1, being New Year day, falls on a holiday, thus, foreigners are advised to report in person on the first official day, Monday. Libanan warned that foreigners who fail to make the annual report will be meted administrative fines or face imprisonment deportation at the discretion the BI commissioner. Danilo Almeda, BI alien registration divison chief, explained that the annual reporting requirement is provided under Sec. 10 of the said act of 1950 and applies to all aliens who are holders of immigrant or non-immigrant visas. Almeda said foreigners who are holders of any visa, except temporary visitors, are required to make the annual report. Foreigners can make their annual report at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila or any of its extension, district, subport, or satellite offices in Metro Manila and throughout the country, he added. Almeda also advised foreigners to go directly to the cashier’s office and pay their fees so they would not to be victimized by unscrupulous fixers. The rules provide that foreigners making the annual report should bring with them their ACR I-Cards, Certificate of Residence and official receipts of the annual report fee they paid the previous year. An annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee shall be paid by each foreigner to the cashier of the bureau. A foreigner who holds the old paper-based ACR and whose visa is not exempt from paying immigration fees shall not be allowed to make his annual report until he applies for an ACR I-Card. As for aliens who are below 14 years of age or 65 years old and above, it shall be the duty of their parents or legal guardians or representatives to make the report on their behalf. (BI News) |
