The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday warned it will not extend the Feb. 28 deadline for foreigners to comply with the BI annual report, saying those who fail to meet the deadline will be fined and face possible deportation for violating immigration and alien registration laws.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente advised foreigners to avoid the rush in making their annual report to his agency.
“We encourage registered aliens to submit themselves early to avoid bigger crowds that will put them at greater risks of exposing themselves to suspected COVID-19 carriers, he said.
“We urge foreigners to report to the BI satellite and extension offices throughout the country.”
But the bureau said there was no crackdown on Chinese citizens reportedly working in Philippine
Offshore Gaming Operations following reports that the Chinese government has canceled thousands of passports of its citizens suspected of working in POGOs.
Immigration spokesman Dana Sandoval said the bureau had yet to receive any official communication from the Chinese government regarding the cancellation of passports of Chinese POGO workers involved in illegal activities.
A report has said Chinese POGO workers have been informed by the China Public Security Bureau to return to China and show proof to the police that they are not working in the POGO business.
Under the 1951 Alien Registration Act, all registered aliens who are holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to report to Immigration within the first 60 days of the year.
Covered by the law are foreigners who are living, working and studying in the Philippines.
BI Alien Registration Division chief Jose Carlitos Licas reminded foreigners to bring their passports and present their alien certificate of registration identity card or ACR I-Card.
Foreigners must pay P300 for the annual report fee and P10 for the legal research fee.
“For those who are abroad, they should make the report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, provided they have valid re-entry permits, Licas said.
If the foreigners are minor aged 14 and below, their parents or guardians should report to Immigration on their behalf.
Senior citizens and people with disability are exempted from personal appearance, but they are required to submit a special power of attorney for their representative.