THE Bureau of Immigration (BI)has instructed foreigners registered with the bureau to report in person to the nearest immigration office by the end of February, as required by law.
In a statement, Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said failure to comply with the annual report requirement within the first 60 days of the start of the year, which is required under the 1950 Alien Registration Act, may result in fines, cancellation of visas or deportation.
“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,” Mr. Morente was quoted as saying.
Registered foreigners may report at the main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest BI field, satellite or extension office.
Lawyer Jose Carlitos Z. Licas, chief of the BI’s alien registration division, said the foreigner must report the original alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) and a valid passport, and pay the P300 annual report fee and P10 legal research fee.
Parents or guardians of foreigners aged 14 and below may report on their behalf while foreigners aged 65 years and above and persons with disabilities are excused from making a personal appearance and may authorize representatives by executing a Special Power of Attorney.
Mr. Licas also called on the foreigners to report early and avoid the deadline rush.
“The deadline is not extendible as the law clearly provides that the reporting period should last only for 60 days,” he said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
