Foreigners reminded to renew alien registration in PH starting January 2

Immigration chief Ricardo David

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) called on all foreigners living in the country on Monday to show up at its headquarters or any satellite offices starting on January 2, 2013, for their annual report or face sanctions such as deportation.

BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. reminded foreigners that under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, they must report to the BI within the first 60 days of the year to make their obligatory annual report.

All immigrant or non-immigrant visa holders should comply with the rule unless exempted by law. Those who would fail to meet the requirements would be meted administrative fines and might face deportation proceedings, warned David.

He also advised foreigners to comply with the law early to avoid inconvenience.

According to Ronaldo Ledesma, BI alien registration division acting chief, foreign nationals can report either to the BI office in Manila or to any of the field and satellite offices nationwide. The list of these offices can be accessed at www.immigration.gov.ph.

Ledesma also advised foreigners to avoid fixers by paying directly to the bureau’s cashier’s office and they must demand for an official receipt.

He reminded them to bring their alien certificate of registration identity card and certificate of residence when they pay the annual report fee of P300 and legal research fee of P10.

“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,” said the official.