Immigration update: Philippines I Update on Tourist Visas
Waiver on Fines and Penalties for Foreign Nationals whose Tourist Visas have expired during Enhance Community Quarantine
On 2 April 2020, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) released an Advisory in relation to the Memorandum dated 31 March 2020 waiving fines and penalties for tourist visa extensions for passengers whose visa expired during the period of the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ), except for outbound passengers.
Who will be affected?
Foreign nationals who are holders of Temporary Visitors or 9(a) Visa in the Philippines and will be expiring during the period of ECQ.
Background:
To further comply with the nationwide suspension of all applications for visa extension, the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division, Mr. Rogelio D. Gevero, Jr. has issued a memorandum waiving the fines and penalties for visa extension for Foreign Nationals whose 9A visas expired during the ECQ period.
Impact:
- All Foreign nationals whose 9a visa expired during the ECQ shall be allowed to extend the visa without fines and penalties after the ECQ has been lifted. In addition, they are required to file the visa extension application within the grace period of 30 days after ECQ.
- The waiver of fines and penalties does not apply to the following:
a. Applications filed after the lapse of thirty (30) days grace period from the lifting of the ECQ;
b. All Foreign Nationals whose visas expired prior to the declaration of the ECQ.
Implementation:
Effective 2 April 2020 until further notice.
Santa Fe Analysis
Santa Fe Relocation is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updated information once available.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Ma. Emmariza Ola
Immigration Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Philippines
Tel.: +63 917 848 6830
Email: Emmariza.Ola@staging.santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
D: +44 7990 021125
Email: Robert.day@staging.santaferelo.com
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