The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Thursday, the temporary suspension of the Order to Leave (OTL) of foreigners who have overstayed their temporary visitor’s visa in the country due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that the order to suspend the OTL was imposed in consideration of the effects of the pandemic to domestic and international travel.
“Pursuant to various resolutions from the IATF-MEID directing the public to exercise social distancing and minimize travel, and in the interest of public safety and welfare, we will be implementing this order as a form of regulatory relief for foreigners,” he said in a statement.
Morente further shared that the suspension also reciprocates the leniency extended by other countries to Filipinos who may be experiencing the same situation abroad.
The BI Chief then discussed that the relief shall apply to holders of temporary visitor’s visas: 1) who have reached the 24-month period maximum stay for visa-required nationals, and 36-month period maximum stay for non-visa required nationals, as of March 1, 2020; or 2) who have overstayed beginning March 1, 2020 regardless whether they have been in the country beyond the maximum allowable period.
Concerned foreigners will still, however, be assessed and shall still be required to settle their immigration fees and penalties in lieu of the OTL.
Also read: Foreigner who ran into MRT3 tracks naked arrested
Lacson: Oct. 31 vaccination deadline is ambitious
Senator Panfilo Lacson called ambitious the government’s earlier projection that by October 31 the adult population nationwide will be vaccinated.
At the hearing on the 2022 national budget proposal on Thursday, Lacson said that in the DOH report 36.2 million doses have been vaccinated as of September 7.
But he said the need to be vaccinated is 195 million doses.
“Precisely, mayroong problema sa supply. So, very ambitious ‘yung projection that we can inoculate ‘yung total adult population by October 31,” said Lacson.
“The reason why I’m mentioning this kasi mayroong additional na 45 of course, unprogrammed fund ito yung hinihingi para sa booster shots. Baka naman pwedeng magamit pa natin yung 45.7 next year sa ibang purpose kasi baka ‘di rin magagamit, of course unprogrammed ito. Hindi pa naman sigurado na may pera,” he added.
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