Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued an advisory giving a grace period to foreign nationals affected by the flight cancellations on new year’s day.
All foreign nationals whose flight were cancelled or delayed after the Air Traffic Management Center (AMTC) of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine (CAAP) encountered technical issues that affected flight to and from the Philippines on January 1 were given a grace period on the validity of their authorized stay and their Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC).
Those whose visas and ECCs expired during the period are given a grace period extension until January 12, to allow them to rebook their flights without added immigration penalties.
“Considering what happened to many foreign nationals who were unable to leave during their scheduled flights, we issued this advisory to assist them in rescheduling, without having to worry about overstaying,” said Tansingco.
Foreign nationals are only required to present their confirmed ticket showing their cancelled flight from January 1 or onwards and/or their boarding pass.
Foreigners given grace period amid flight cancellations – BI
“This extension is given in the spirit of the hospitality of Filipino people,” said Tansingco. “Those who were affected did not mean to overstay their visas, hence appropriate considerations are given to them,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration has commenced its 2023 annual report on Tuesday.
The annual report is in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950, which requires all foreign nationals with immigrant and non-immigrant visas to report to the Bureau within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco explained that under the law, aliens holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas, and were issued an alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) are required to present themselves to the bureau for the annual report. Also required to report are refugees and stateless aliens.
The annual report will continue until March 1, 2023.
Aliens must present their original ACR I-Card and valid passport as well as pay a P300-annual report fee and P10-legal research fee.
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