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IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The Philippines now requires that foreigners applying for an Emigration Clearance Certificate must first register with the new Alien Registration Project.
What does the change mean? Many foreign nationals, including those who downgraded their visas, must register with the Project and obtain a Special Security Registration Number before applying for the certificate.
Background: The Bureau of Immigration recently implemented an Alien Registration Project to register all foreigners, capture their biometric data and issue them a special security registration number. On Oct. 14, the Bureau began requiring that foreign nationals register with the Project before applying for an Emigration Clearance Certificate. Foreigners in the following categories are required to obtain the certificate before exiting the Philippines:
Holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards who are leaving the country temporarily are exempt from making an in-person appearance as the Alien Registration Project should automatically generate a special security registration number that appears on new ACR I-Cards. Registered aliens with valid ACR I-Cards may request a new ACR I-Card with the security registration number for a re-issuance fee or approximately US $20.
BAL Analysis: The new rule is in keeping with the Philippines’ move to account for all foreign nationals. Foreign nationals should expect mandatory registration to expand over the coming months.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Philippines. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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