Updated January 02, 2009 12:00 AM [ philstar.com ]
Foreigners must register with the Bureau of Immigration starting today and until March 1, or face deportation, according to the BI.
However, those aged 14 years old and under, and 65 years and above do not have to make a personal appearance. Their parents, legal guardians or representatives can file the report for them.
“Any foreigner who fails to make the annual report can either be fined or subjected to deportation proceedings for violating the country’s alien registration laws,” the BI said in a statement.
Danilo Almeda, BI alien registration division chief, said foreigners should bring with them their I-CARDs, as well as the official receipt of their annual report fee during the previous year.
Every foreigner has to pay P300 annual report fee and a P10 legal research fee at the BI cashier, he added.
Under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, aliens whether holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas must report to the BI within the first 60 days of every year, according to Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.
The BI main office in Intramuros, Manila, as well as its satellite offices in Metro Manila would be open during the holiday for foreigners wishing to register, according to the BI.
Those living in the provinces can proceed to their nearest BI field offices or sub-port office in the areas, the BI added. – Evelyn Macairan, Rudy Santos