The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded foreign nationals in the country to file their annual report in person in their satellite offices and sub-ports nationwide, reports Inquirer.net. Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan made the announcement after seeing a heavy volume of foreigners flock Monday to the bureau's main building in Intramuros, Manila to file their annual report. Libanan said he has instructed Alien Registration Division (ARD) chief Danilo Almeda to allow foreigners to file their annual report in areas where the bureau's satellite offices or sub-ports are situated. “As in previous years, I directed all satellite offices and sub-ports to accept payments for the annual report to decongest the bureau's main office in order to give convenience to the resident foreigners in the country,” Libanan said. The bureau started accepting the filing of annual report of all foreigners, except those who are on temporary stay, as mandated by the Philippine Immigration Act of 1950 which requires foreigners to report to the BI within the first 60 days of every calendar year. He warned foreigners who fail to make the annual report will be meted administrative fines or face imprisonment deportation at the discretion the BI commissioner. Almeda, meanwhile said he already ordered his unit in all satellite offices and sub-ports to process the application for annual report of foreigners in cities or provinces where they live. He also advised foreigners to directly go to the cashier's office and pay their fees so they could not victimize by unscrupulous fixers. “Foreigners making the annual report should bring with them their ACR I-Cards, Certificate of Residence and official receipts of the annual report fee they paid the previous year,” Almeda added. An annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee shall be paid by each foreigner to the cashier of the bureau. A foreigner who holds the old paper-based ACR and whose visa is not exempt from paying immigration fees shall not be allowed to make his annual report until he applies for an ACR I-Card. As for aliens who are below 14 years of age or 65 years old and above, it shall be the duty of their parents or legal guardians or representatives to make the report on their behalf.
