According to the Alien Registration Act of 1950, Foreign Nationals in the Philippines are required to report or present themselves personally within the first 60 days of every calendar year to the Bureau of Immigration or any of its accredited Satellite offices. This reporting is better known as ‘Annual Report.’ For 2016, Annual Report may be done on any day between the 4th of January up to 3rd of March.
Who are required to do the Annual Report?
All registered Foreign Nationals working in the Philippines with an ACR I-Card must do the Annual Report except for those who are Tourist visa holders.
What should I bring on the day of the Report?
Annual Report Requirements:
- Original ACR I-Card
- Passport
- Proof of payment of Annual Report from the Previous Years (if applicable)
- Printed AR 2016 confirmation number
- Undertaking to fulfill BI obligations
Can I be exempt from personally attending the Annual Report?
Foreign nationals below 14 years old and those 65 year old and above,, or mentally or physically incapacitated foreigners are exempt from personal appearance.
If you do not fall in the said guidelines, you may only be exempt from personal appearance if you appeared during the 2014/2015 Annual report with a duly accomplished AR Form. You must send a legal representative with a Special Power of Attorney to bring the requirements and submit them on your behalf.
What will happen if I failed to comply?
There is a corresponding administrative penalty such as payment of fines and/or imprisonment at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner.
If you want to learn more about this and other requirements from the Bureau of Immigration, do not hesitate to speak with one of our immigration consultants. Contact us!
