The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reiterated that foreign parents, spouses, and children of Filipino citizens cannot enter the Philippines if they are not traveling with the latter.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated that said existing guidelines on international travel set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) do not allow the entry of foreign parents, spouses and children of Filipinos if they are travelling alone.
The said foreigners, Morente reminded, should likewise possess valid visas secured in the country’s foreign posts abroad to be able to enter the country.
He added that the Balikbayan privilege, which allows the visa-free entry of foreign spouses and children of Filipinos, remains suspended.
The reminder was issued following reports that a handful of aliens were denied entry at the airports for attempting to come to the country without their Filipino spouse, children, or parent.
Morente stressed that airlines and ships are obligated to ensure that only foreigners eligible to enter the country during the implementation of the travel restrictions are allowed to board their Philippine-bound flights.
It can be recalled that the Philippines reimposed a ban on the entry of foreigners last month amid the resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Aliens not traveling with Pinoy kin can’t enter PH during travel ban – BI
The ban, which started last March 22 is in effect until April 21.
Aside from prohibiting the entry of foreigners, the IATF also ordered a reduction in the number of inbound international travelers to only 1,500 a day.
Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente also warned aliens that violating rules set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) may cause filing of deportation charges against them.
According to Morente, foreign nationals are expected to follow Philippine laws, and blatant disregard of rules and persons of authority may be reason for their deportation.
Morente reiterated that aliens who disrespect persons of authority may be considered undesirable aliens. “Foreign nationals who disrespect symbols of our country and persons of authority are not welcome in the Philippines,” he warned.