The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday said it would not issue working visa to foreigners without the Tax Identification Number from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
“We are adjusting our policy in support of the BIR, to ensure that the government collects the necessary taxes from foreign workers in the country,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said, adding “all applicants for working visas will be required a TIN.”
He said the bureau, which is part of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Employment of Foreign Nationals, has been in constant talks with the BIR, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, and other government agencies to harmonize rules on foreign workers.
Morente is now requiring applicants for work visa a copy of their TIN card or any proof of TIN to ensure that the BIR will be able to collect taxes from them.
Morente said that the move was a “simple solution that would make a huge impact in tax collection,” and that the action was a “result of government agencies working together.”
Meanwhile, Morente allayed fears of the business community on the restrictions set by the new rules on the Special Work Permit.
“These new rules do not impose added burden to professionals. It was put in place to protect jobs for Filipinos. It ensures that blue collar jobs will not be given to foreign nationals,” the BI chief said.
According to BI’s new rules on SWP, only 14 activities may be issued for the said work permit. “These activities include highly technical activities, and they may stay here for a maximum period of six months only,” Morente added.