IMPACT – HIGH

The Philippines has lifted the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, as it moves to general community quarantine (GCQ).

Key Points:

  • International flight restrictions continue. Only overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino citizens and their spouses and dependents, permanent residents and foreign diplomats may enter the country. All foreign nationals can leave anytime but Filipinos are not allowed to leave unless they are OFWs, permanent residents or holders of student visas in their country of destination.
  • As of June 1, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has implemented an online appointment system at its main office in Intramuros, Manila, in compliance with physical distancing protocols. Only those with appointment codes will be served during their specified date and time.
  • The Department of Labour and Employment has issued guidelines for AEP filing and issuance, covering the online submission process for the following steps: company registration; filing of new/renewal of AEP applications; release of AEP cards; and AEP cancellation requests. The department has also engaged a courier service for the delivery of approved AEP cards. This service will be available as of June 2. Full details can be found here.

Background: Last month, much of the country moved into GCQ, with the exception of Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.