IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The annual reporting period for foreign nationals in the Philippines will begin Jan. 3.

What does the change mean? All foreign nationals holding an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity card must report to the main Bureau of Immigration office in Manila or to their nearest participating branch office during the two-month period beginning Jan. 3.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 3 to March 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: ACR I-cards.
  • Who is affected: All foreign nationals holding valid ACR I-cards.
  • Business impact: Failure to report may be punishable by fines or imprisonment.
  • Next steps: Unless they fall under an exempt category, all ACR I-card holders should plan to register in person within the time frame listed above.

Background: Foreign nationals who hold ACR I-cards are required to report to their appropriate Bureau of Immigration office every year during the first two months of the year. ACR I-card holders should be prepared to show (1) their original ACR I-card, (2) an official receipt for payment of the annual report fee (310 pesos or about US$6.20), (3) a printed confirmation number issued through the AR 2018 online system, and (4) documentation that they will fulfil any outstanding Bureau of Immigration obligations (where applicable). Certain ACR I-card holders are exempt, including people under the age of 14 years, people 65 years old or older and those who are mentally or physically incapacitated and have obtained the required written exemption.

BAL Analysis: Affected foreign nationals should plan to fulfil their reporting requirements as early as possible beginning Jan. 3 to avoid unexpected delays.

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.

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