MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) earned P24 million from the estimated 84,000 foreigners who paid their annual report fees during the first two months of this year.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. yesterday reported a six percent increase in the number of aliens who made an annual report in January and February compared to the 79,289 aliens who went to the bureau during the same period last year.
David said aliens who failed to beat the March 1 deadline will still be allowed to pay their dues but a fine would be imposed on them for the late payment.
He said aliens who do not comply with the reportorial requirement could be liable for deportation for violating Philippine immigration and alien registration laws.
David also said that the increase in the number of reportees this year is indicative of the continued influx of foreigners into the country.
The Alien Registration Act of 1950 requires foreigners staying in the Philippines to report to the BI within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
Unless exempted by law, foreigners who are holders of immigrant or non-immigrant visa holders must make the annual report.
Lawyer Ronaldo Ledesma, BI acting alien registration chief, disclosed that Chinese nationals totaling 30,112 topped the list of the annual reportees, followed by 10,860 Indians, 9,232 Americans and 8,449 Koreans.