BI: 65,000 aliens show up for annual report

More than 65,000 foreign nationals trooped to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for their annual reports this year, statistics from the bureau’s alien registration division showed. BI alien registration division chief Danilo Almeda said a total of 65,155 resident foreign nationals reported themselves this year, which is higher by 5,123 or 8.53 percent than those who reported last year. The Alien Registration Act of 1950 requires the annual report of aliens, which began at the start of the year and ended last March 3. (See: BI calls for PHL-based foreigners to file annual report) http://www.gmanews.tv/story/209632/bi-calls-for-phl-based-foreigners-to-file-annual-report The said law provides that foreigners must go in person to the BI main office, subports, field offices and satellite offices within the first 60 calendar days of every year for their annual report. Almeda also disclosed that the government earned more than P19.5 million in fees paid by the aliens who made this year’s annual report. Under the rules, each foreigner must pay the annual report fee of P300 and legal research fee of P10. Aside from the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila – where most of the foreigners went – the annual reports were also made in the various immigration field offices nationwide. Almeda said the figures pertain only to foreigners who made their annual report to the bureau. He explained that the law allows foreigners to make the same report at the office of the local treasurer in their place of residence or business. Almeda added that those who failed to beat the March 3 deadline may still make their annual report provided they pay the corresponding fine, aside from the regular fees for late filers. He warned that those who do not comply with the annual report may be subjected to criminal sanctions and deportation for violating the Alien Registration Act of 1950. – MRT/VS, GMA News