THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) said on Monday that it is gearing up for extensive modernization projects in 2024 that aligns with the country’s ambitious tourism targets.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco revealed that the BI is set to replace 25% of its manual operations with electronic gates this year as part of a medium-term plan.
This is strategically timed with an expected influx of tourists, following the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) aggressive promotional efforts.
Earlier, the DoT reported 5.45 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, surpassing the anticipated 4.8 million visitors for the year. The DoT’s 2024 goal is to achieve 7.7 million international visitor arrivals.
For the BI, it aims for half of its operations to be electronic by 2026 for a more seamless international travel experience that would attract more foreigners to explore the Philippines.
While Mr. Tansingco had said that the agency’s P2.7-billion approved budget for 2024 is intended for upgrading its facilities at airports, these modernization efforts also include implementing online visa extensions and streamlining immigration processing for cruise tourists.
Last week, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported the first international cruise ship to visit the Philippines this year: the “MV Vasco da Gama,” which carried no less than 650 mostly German passengers and making stops at four Philippine destinations from Jan. 6 to 10.
The PPA said that over 80,000 cruise ship passengers from various shipping companies visited the country in 2023.
Mr. Tansingco said he is also looking forward to the enactment of the proposed BI modernization law, citing the support of Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri for the measure.
The proposed legislation seeks to empower the BI to utilize its income for acquiring advanced tools and technologies, enhancing its operational efficiency in upholding national security.
The bill, currently under deliberation in the Senate, aims to update the 84-year-old Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. — Nate C. Barretto
