More than 15,000 aliens reported to different offices of the Bureau of Immigration at the start of this year’s annual report of foreign nationals staying in the country, according to immigration commissioner Jaime Morente.
Morente said a third of the aliens reported at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila, while the rest filed their ARs in the various immigration field, satellite and extension offices in Metro Manila and the provinces.
Morente urged other foreigners to register with the bureau’s online appointment system in order to obtain their reporting schedule.
“We advise you to book your appointment slots now and make your report early,” Morente said.
“As in previous years, this year’s March 1 deadline of the AR is not extendable. You may visit http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph to schedule your annual report.”
Morente, however, foresees a drop in the number of this year’s reportees due to the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. In 2020, there were more than 77,000 aliens who filed for their ARs.
“There are many of them who are currently out of the country and are not able to come back to the Philippines due to these travel restrictions. They can, however, still make their report within 30 days from the date of their return,” Morente said.
Under the alien registration act, foreigners who are holders of valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas and valid alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) are required to report to the BI within the first 60 days of a calendar year.
Those making the report must present their passports and ACR I-Cards and pay their annual report fee to the government.
According to the BI, aliens who do not comply with reportorial requirements may be meted sanctions including fines, visa cancellation, deportation and imprisonment.