Foreigners in Philippines reminded to report to Immigration

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reminded all foreigners in the country about their annual report to the bureau beginning on January 3 or they face sanctions for being improperly documented aliens.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the annual report is required under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, directing foreigners to report to the bureau in person within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

David said those who fail to do so would be meted administrative fines or face deportation proceedings.

The Immigration chief urged foreigners to avoid the deadline rush by making their annual report earlier.

BI Alien Registration Division (ARD) chief Ronaldo Ledema said that under Sec. 10 of the said act, aliens who are holders of immigrant or non-immigrant visas must make the annual report.

“They can report either to the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila or any of its field or satellite offices nationwide,” Ledesma said.

Under the rules, foreigners making the annual report should bring with them their ACR identity card (I-Card) and certificate of residence and has to pay an annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee.

Ledesma, who is the former officer-in-charge of the bureau prior to David’s appointment in March last year, advised foreigners to go directly to the bureau’s cashier office, pay fees and demand for an official receipt so they would not to be victimized by “fixers.”

A foreigner who holds the old paper-based ACR and whose visa is not exempt from paying immigration fees will not be allowed to make his or her annual report until he/she applies for an ACR I-Card.

For foreigners who are below 14 years of age or 65 years old and above, their parents, legal guardians or representatives can do the personal reporting on their behalf.