Foreign nationals residing in PH told to report to Immigration office until March 1

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has advised foreign nationals residing in the country to report in person to the agency until March 1 to avoid paying fines or having their registration cancelled. 

Under the 1950 Alien Registration Act, BI-registered aliens are required to report to the agency's main office in Intramuros, Manila or the nearest participating field, satellite or extension office within the first 60 days of every calendar year.

"Two months is a long time. There is no reason for foreigners to miss the annual report. Those who will fail to comply will be sanctioned," Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.

BI-registered aliens are resident foreign nationals who have been issued immigrant or non-immigrant visas and are holders of the alien certificate of registration identity card.

Each alien must present his original ACR I-Card and his valid passport and pay a P300 annual report fee and P10 legal research fee during the annual report. 

Foreigners who are out of the country during the annual reporting period may report within 30 days from the date of their return to the country, as long they have valid re-entry permits, said Morente.

Aliens below 14 years old are exempt from personal appearance and their parent or guardian may make the report on their behalf. Senior citizens aged 65 years old and above are likewise exempt, but are still required to pay the fees and fill out the form. - report from Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN News