Philippine Immigration issues reminder on annual reporting of aliens

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday reminded all foreigners in the country that they have up to March 2 to report in person to the bureau for their annual report, otherwise they will be sanctioned for being improperly documented aliens.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David said there will be no extension on the deadline because Republic Act 1950, or the Alien Registration Act, provides that the annual report shall be conducted within 60 days of every calendar year.

“Those who have not yet made the annual report must go to the nearest immigration field office now instead of waiting for the deadline,” David said, adding that “those who fail to make the annual report will be meted administrative fines or face deportation proceedings.”

Lawyer Ronaldo Ledesma, BI acting alien registration chief, said that under section 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.

An annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee shall be paid by a foreigner to 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 old or who are 65 years old and above, their parents or legal guardians or representatives may report on their behalf.