The Bureau of Immigration appealed to all foreigners still in the Philippines to stay at home during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said that aliens who decided to remain in the Philippines are advised to follow the guidelines of the ECQ “as this is our best solution to buy time in the fight against Covid-19”.
Morente added that they are discouraging aliens in the country from going out to apply for visa extensions.
“We have eased immigration requirements for foreigners who remain in the Philippines during the ECQ. Aliens anywhere in the Philippines whose visas will expire during the period, shall not be charged penalties as long as they file their applications within 30 days from the lifting of the ECQ,” he added.
However, the BI clarified that applications filed after the lapse of thirty days from the lifting of the ECQ and aliens whose visas expired prior to the declaration of the ECQ will not be exempt from penalties.
“We are issuing this reiteration as there are still some aliens proceeding to our offices to file for extensions despite the quarantine,” said Morente.
“For everyone’s safety, please stay at home,” he added.