Over 50,000 foreigners file annual report to BI

Over 50,000 foreigners file annual report to BI (Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA—Over 50,000 foreign nationals registered with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have so far made their annual report as required under Republic Act 562 or the Alien Registration Act of 1950.

According to Commissioner Jaime Morente, as of Jan. 26, a total of 50,414 foreigners have reported in person and have settled their annual report fee as required by law.

He added that nearly half of the aliens reported to the BI main office in Intramuros while the rest paid their fees in the 49 field, satellite and extension offices of the bureau nationwide.

The law provides that all registered foreign nationals shall make their annual report within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

With this, Morente reminded foreigners that they have until March 3 to comply with the law, noting that annual report period is non-extendible.

He warned that failure to comply may result in imposition of administrative fine or imprisonment at the option of the commissioner.

On the other hand, Fortunato Manahan, Jr., Acting Chief of the Alien Registration Division said that under the rules, each alien shall pay the government an annual report fee of PHP300 and legal research fee of P10.

For those aged less than 14 years, their parent or legal guardian shall report on their behalf.

Those who will submit they report are also reminded to present their original and valid alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card), and original passport.

A foreigner is no longer required to report in person if he had personally appeared in at least one of the Annual Reports held in 2014, 2015, or 2016 and upon presentation of a special power of attorney (SPA) and valid identification document by his legal representative.

An alien who returns to the Philippines with a re-entry permit shall, if he has not yet made the required annual report, shall make such report within 30 days from the date of his return to the Philippines.