BI reminds foreigners to register

The Bureau of Immigration reminded all foreigners staying in the country yesterday that they have until March 1 to personally report to the bureau as required by law.

Acting commissioner Roy Almoro said all aliens holding immigrant or non-immigrant visas are required to appear before the BI within the first 60 days of every year under Section 10 of Alien Registration Act of 1950.

Under the law, violators would be fined and deported.

It was learned that only 50,000 out of 106,000 aliens registered with the bureau have complied with the requirement so far.

The last day for the annual report of aliens is set on March 1 since the first day of the 60-day period officially started on Jan. 2.

Danilo Almeda, BI alien registration chief, said foreigners should bring with them alien certificates of registration or I-Card and official receipt of the annual report fee they paid last year.

Almeda said an annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee would be collected from each registrant.

Foreigners who are below 18 years old should be represented by their parents or guardians in complying with the annual report requirement.

The BI reiterated that aliens in provinces need not travel to Manila as they can report to the nearest provincial immigration office.

Holders of the new I-Card could also make their annual report in BI offices where there is an I-Card processing center.