New Philippine Economic Zone Authority visa introduced

The Philippine government has launched a new Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) visa that replaced the Special Nonimmigrant Visa.

Key Points:

• Qualifying foreign nationals are now eligible for new PEZA visas.
  • The work visas are valid for up to two years and renewable 30 days before their expiration date.
  • PEZA visa holders and their dependents are exempt from registration requirements and have multiple entry privileges.
• Foreign national who are approved to receive a PEZA visa will also receive a physical card not previously available for the Special Nonimmigrant Visa.
  • This card will serve official government issued documentation for the foreign worker.
• PEZA-registered enterprises can submit their foreign employees’ PEZA visa applications to the PEZA zone administrator or manager where their enterprise is located.

Additional Information: Valid and preexisting Special Nonimmigrant Visas will retain their validity until their expiration date. After that, individuals can apply for a PEZA visa through the renewal process detailed here. More information regarding the new PEZA visa is available on this website.

BAL Analysis: The new PEZA visa will streamline application processes for foreign nationals and adjudication times by reducing the number of government authorities overseeing immigration application processing.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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