BI speeding up visa applications

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has set up a "one-stop center" that will exclusively process working visa applications of foreign expatriates in the country.

Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr. said he has issued a memorandum order creating the office, which will screen, evaluate and review all applications for conversion or extension of pre-arranged employment visas of foreign workers.

Fernandez has designated associate commissioner Roy Almoro as head of the new office.

In a statement, Fernandez said he hopes the center will boost the entry of foreign investors and make the country business-friendly to foreign nationals.

He likewise said the new center would help cut red tape by expediting the processing of working visas, thus give foreigners no excuses not to comply with the immigration regulations.

"By further relaxing our rules and procedures in processing the visas of expatriates, we expect more foreign and local companies based in the Philippines to employ more aliens who would bring in their expertise and knowledge to contribute to our economic development," Fernandez stressed.

Under bureau rules, foreigners can apply for working visas valid for one to three years depending on the length of their employment contract.

Before the working visa could be obtained, expatriates have to first secure an alien employment permit from the Department of Labor and Employment.

Aliens issued with work visas are entitled to multiple entry privileges and can renew their visas upon renewal of their contracts. — Edu Punay