Foreigners asked to show up for annual registration
By Reynaldo G. Navales
FOREIGN nationals registered with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) were reminded to report in person to any of the agency’s participating offices nationwide starting January 2022.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reminded aliens that the annual report is in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950, which requires all aliens with immigrant and non-immigrant visas to report to the bureau within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
He said under the law, foreigners, who are holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas and were issued alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) are required to make the annual report. Also required to report are refugees and stateless aliens.
“Aliens with long term visas may register up to March 1, 2022,” said Morente.
“We have numerous offices nationwide, which are all open to cater to needs of the transacting public, hence there is really no excuse not to comply with this annual obligation,” he added.
Morente also warned that those who fail to report may face fines, visa cancelation, or deportation.
He said aside from the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila, aliens may also report to the nearest participating BI field, satellite or extension office.
Lawyer Jose Carlitos Licas, BI Alien Registration Division chief, said aliens going to the BI for their annual report via any immigration office nationwide are required to register with the BI’s online appointment system at http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
“Aliens must present their original ACR I-Card and valid passport as well as pay a P300-annual report fee and P10-legal research fee,” Licas said.
Remote AR, according to Licas, may be requested by embassies or foreign groups, and may be considered if the number of reportees exceeds ten individuals.
On the other hand, foreigners who are out of the country during the 60-day period can still make the report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, so long as their re-entry permits are still valid.
For aliens below the age of 14, Licas said their parent or legal guardians are obligated to make the report for them. Senior citizens and persons with disability are exempted from personal appearance, he added, and may file through a representative with a special power of attorney.
