BI opens online application, payment for PH-bound foreign minors

In a statement Wednesday, the BI said the feature would help foreign minors without travel companions to secure a waiver of exclusion ground (WEG). (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – In line with the Marcos administration’s push to digitize government transactions, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has included in its online portal the application and payment feature for foreign minors traveling to the country.

In a statement Wednesday, the BI said the feature would help foreign minors without travel companions to secure a waiver of exclusion ground (WEG).

“Such minors may only be allowed entry, even if unaccompanied if they have been issued a WEG by the BI and has paid a fee of PHP3,120 to the government,” it said.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the move is part of the agency’s digitization efforts aimed at easing and improving travel experience.

“This project is part of our continuing efforts to institutionalize paperless transactions in the bureau, reduce red tape, and deliver more efficient and faster services to the public,” he said.

Under the new feature, an application for WEG must be made “within 72 hours from the minor’s scheduled arrival.”

“They shall completely fill out the WEG application e-form and upload clear digital or scanned copies of the documentary requirements, such as affidavit of support and guarantee, the parent’s and minor’s passport information, travel consent, return ticket, and valid entry visa, if applicable,” the BI said.

Applicants may then proceed to online payment using a debit or credit card, with payment receipts to be sent to their registered e-mails.

Upon submission and payment, applicants will have to wait for a day to receive confirmatory approval from the BI.

“The BI shall then process and evaluate the application and issue its approval via the said email address within 24 hours from receipt of the application,” it added.

On the other hand, incomplete requirements or unpaid applications shall be deleted from the BI’s system portal within 72 hours.

Applicants for the group may access the portal and submit their application via e-services.immigration.gov.ph.