BI begins accepting transactions with strict health protocols

All clients are required to present any government issued or valid identification card along with their appointment code before they will be allowed to enter the BI premises, he added. (File Photo: Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has started accepting transactions with strict implementation of health protocols despite the downgrading of Metro Manila and four nearby provinces to less strict general community quarantine (GCQ).

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, Commissioner Jaime Morente said clients are required to secure online appointment scheduled through www.immigration.gov.ph.

All clients are required to present any government issued or valid identification card along with their appointment code before they will be allowed to enter the BI premises, he added.

Morente said wearing of face masks is mandatory and everyone is required to observe physical distancing.

“The wearing of face shield inside Bi premises is highly encouraged. Clients without face masks shall not be allowed to enter,” he said.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to return National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from modified enhanced community quarantine to less strict GCQ.

“In this regard and in compliance with the directive to observe minimum heath standards and social distancing measures, the previous suspension of BI transactions is hereby lifted in the affected office,” Morente said.

Morente, meanwhile, said fines and penalties for expired applications in the NCR and the four nearby provinces, may be waived provided that the visa expired during the MECQ period and the application is filed from Aug. 19 to Sept. 19.

The public are advised to direct their concerns and inquires through the Bureau’s online platforms or hotlines: (02) 8465-2400, (02) 85243769; website, immigration.gov.ph; Facebook, immigration.helpline.ph,officialbureauofimmigration; Twitter, immigrationPh; Instagram, immigPh; Email, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].

The BI has temporarily suspended its online appointment system during the MECQ from Aug. 4 to 18.