THE Bureau of Immigration yesterday announced the temporary suspension of its “order to leave” to foreigners who have overstayed their temporary visitor’s visa amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the suspension of the order was issued in consideration of the effects of the pandemic to domestic and international travel.
“Pursuant to various resolutions from the Inter-Agency Task Force directing the public to exercise social distancing and minimize travel, and in the interest of public safety and welfare, we will be implementing this order as a form of regulatory relief for foreigners,” Morente said.
He said the order reciprocates the leniency extended by other countries to Filipinos who may be experiencing the same situation abroad.
The relief, according to Morente, will apply to holders of temporary visitor’s visas who have reached the 24-month period maximum stay for visa-required foreigners and 36-month period maximum stay for non-visa required foreigners as of March 1, 2020; or those who have overstayed beginning March 1, 2020 regardless whether they have been in the country beyond the maximum allowable period.
“Concerned foreigners will still, however, be assessed and shall still be required to settle their immigration fees and penalties in lieu of the order to leave,” he added.
