Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) advised foreign residents in the country who plan to spend Chinese New Year abroad to process their re-entry fees in any of the BI’s offices prior to departure.
BI Port Operations Division Chief Atty. Carlos Capulong said that the advice follows the expected surge in the volume of travelers, lining up to secure their re-entry fees at the immigration cashiers of the departure area of the three NAIA terminals.
“A significant number of them are Chinese residents in the country, who are flying out to spend the Chinese New Year abroad,” said Capulong. “It results in the build-up of passengers at the airport, which may be avoided if they secured their permits before going to the airport,” he added.
Under immigration laws, foreign nationals who are registered with the BI, holding valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to secure exit, and re-entry permits every time they leave the country. This includes permanent residents, foreign students, and workers holding valid ACR I-cards.
According to Capulong, departing residents have an option to secure said permits at the airports or at any of BI’s offices nationwide.
BI urges departing foreign residents to process reentry permit
Capulong shared that securing the permits beforehand decreases processing time for residents, giving passengers more time to relax before their flight.
He added that the BI has also a 24/7 One Stop Shop located at the NAIA Terminal 3, wherein departing passengers can secure their permits prior departure.
Meanwhile, BI said its operatives from its Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) have arrested last January 8, a Chinese man and two Chinese women wanted by authorities in their home country for involvement in economic crimes.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the fugitive arrested in Brgy. Tambo in Paranaque as Cheung Wa, 56.
Cheung is wanted by the Public Security Bureau of Fuding City for involvement in economic crimes in China. He was said to have established several investment companies which defrauded more than 100 victims under the guise of a real estate company promising high interest rates. The scam cost its victims more than 40 million RMB or approximately 326.5 million Pesos.
Also arrested on same date are Chau Mut Hing, 63, and Zhang Yi, 50. The duo were collared in an establishment in New Seaside Drive, Parañaque City.
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