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The Philippine government has created a new online system for tourists who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial period granted on their tourist visa.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The online extension for the temporary visitor visa is available to foreign nationals admitted under section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act. There are certain groups that are ineligible. These individuals must still apply for extensions at a Bureau of Immigration office.
BAL Analysis: The new process should create a faster application process for eligible foreign nationals and save time and costs by offering an alternative to visiting a Bureau of Immigration office in person.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
Philippine officials have recently implemented key changes, including the suspension of filing fees for motions for reconsideration and changes to the process for downgrading applications.
Additional Information: The downgrading process involves a reversion of an immigration visa to a temporary visitor/tourist visa for continued stay. Employers and applicants should be aware that if a formal notice is received with an order to leave as part of the downgrade application, the foreign national is given 15 days to depart the country upon receipt. Since the email now serves as formal notice, the order to leave commences on that date, as opposed to the previous procedure that commenced upon receipt of a physical copy of the downgrade order. The Bureau of Immigration PEZA Extension Office would previously stamp the downgraded visa in the passport and the departure date would be retroactive to the date the passport was submitted.
BAL Analysis: Employers and applicants should be aware of the important changes to motions for reconsideration and carefully monitor the email address provided in downgrading applications. BAL will continue following the implementation of these directives and will provide updates as information becomes available.
The Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region has announced that Alien Employment Permit transactions are suspended through Feb. 29.
Background: DOLE NCR said the suspensions are necessary due to the migration of the Alien Employment Permit Management System to another cloud hosting service provider. DOLE NCR said this step will improve clients’ user experience and strengthen security of all stakeholders’ data.
Philippine officials issued a notice that a medical clearance is no longer required for certain nationals and visa applications.
BAL Analysis: The memorandum will take effect immediately and should create a faster application process for the respective nationals as well as save time and costs.
Philippine officials issued a reminder notice to foreign nationals to complete mandatory annual reporting between Jan. 1 and March 1.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Certain foreign nationals are exempted from the personal appearance requirement, including those aged below 14 years or 60 years and above; those who hold a person with a disability ID; and pregnant women and foreign nationals with a medical condition who can present a medical certificate.
Virtual annual reporting is available to all registered foreign nationals except for paper-based ACR holders present in the Philippines during the annual reporting period who are holders of valid visas. Individuals may register here and schedule their online interview and pay the assessed fee.
BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities will issue administrative fines or prosecute individuals who fail to report. The Bureau of Immigration offices that participate in the 2024 annual report can be found here. Foreign nationals should be aware of their reporting responsibilities and schedule their appointments accordingly.
Philippine officials reiterated that registration on the eTravel system is mandatory and must be completed within 72 hours of intended travel.
Key Points: • As BAL previously reported, the Philippine government is expanding its eTravel system, requiring more travelers to register when entering or leaving the country. • Inbound travelers must register on the website within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival time. • Outbound travelers must register within 72 hours but no later than three hours before their scheduled departure time.
BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities are expanding the eTravel system to streamline entry and exit procedures and decrease processing times. Foreign nationals planning to travel to the Philippines this holiday season should register in a timely manner.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Bureau of Immigration has resumed face-to-face interviews for applicants of spousal visas.
BAL Analysis: The Bureau of Immigration has also confirmed that applicants for certain Emigration Clearance Certificates are now required to personally appear at the Main Office for processing. The Philippine government may resume additional in-person requirements for other visa processes going forward. BAL will continue to provide updates as they become available.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Philippine government is suspending work in government offices as well as school at all levels on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 due to ongoing weather events.
Additional Information: Processing of immigration-related filings is expected resume when government offices reopen on Monday, Sept. 4. BAL will provide updates if the situation changes.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Philippine government has lifted its Travel Pass requirement for Philippine Economic Zone Authority visa holders.
Background: The Travel Pass requirement was introduced on March 1, 2021, as part of the Philippines’ response to COVID-19. The requirement was reversed this week following the issuance of a presidential proclamation that ended the Philippines’ COVID-19 public health emergency on July 31. BAL will provide updated information as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright ©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Philippine government has announced an immigration eServices portal.
Individuals will be able to use the Philippines’ eServices platform to submit certain immigration forms, including:
Applicants can access the eServices platform through the Bureau of Immigration page or this website.
Additional Information: More information regarding the eServices platform is available here.
BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities introduced the eServices platform to simplify immigration procedures for foreign nationals and streamline their online services.