The Bureau of Immigration announced that it is raising to 100 percent the onsite work capacity in all its offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas starting today.
In a public advisory, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the new work scheme was adopted in compliance with the government’s decision to downgrade to Alert Level 1 the Covid-19 alert status in the metropolis and 38 other areas in the country.
Morente, however, stressed that strict health protocols shall continually be observed in the said BI offices, such as the wearing of face mask and physical distancing of all officials and employees.
He said that while fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed entry in BI offices, those who are unvaccinated and partially vaccinated are still required to secure their slots from the Bureau’s online appointment system.
He further stated that the Bureau’s working hours remain unchanged from 7 am to 5:30 pm., Monday to Friday, except on holidays.
As for other BI offices situated in areas that are under other alert level status, they shall continue to adhere to their existing on-site work capacities.
In a separate memorandum to BI employees, Morente said the Bureau will no longer adopt the work-from-home as an alternative work arrangement scheme for its employees.
He said all BI employees are now required to report for work regardless of age and comorbidities.
BI increases on-site work capacity to 100%
The employees were told to continue wearing face mask while on duty, wash their hands frequently and limit unnecessary movements and close interactions with fellow workers.
Regular disinfection of BI workstations will be continued, Morente added.
“As we transition to the new normal, the public can be assured that the services of the BI will remain unhampered,” said Morente.
Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group expects to record only 500 cases of COVID-19 per day by mid-March.
OCTA fellow Dr Guido David said this is based on the current downward trajectory of new cases every day. As of Sunday, only 1,038 cases have been recorded in the country.
“We’re projecting na cases will either continue to decrease, although baka bumagal na ‘yung rate of decrease, or baka mag-plateau na rin siya,” said David.
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