Immigration, PEZA agree to share data

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THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) recently inked a data-sharing agreement to enhance visa processing for foreigners.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agreement signed last January 22 would “establish clear guidelines on the sharing and handling of data in the issuance and implementation of PEZA visas for foreign nationals employed in PEZA-registered ecozones.”

Under the agreement, Viado said the BI, as the disclosing party, will provide PEZA with the necessary information gathered from visa applicants to aid in their evaluation and issuance of PEZA visas.

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“The agreement ensures that all data-sharing activities strictly adhere to the Data Privacy Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to protect applicants’ personal information,” Viado said.

“This agreement strengthens our commitment to efficient and transparent visa processing while ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of shared information,” he added.

A statement from PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said the agreement will play a vital role in facilitating ease of doing business for foreign investors and workers within PEZA ecozones.

Panga said both agencies have committed to regularly monitoring compliance with security measures and to immediately notify each other in the event of any breach or suspected breach.

“The agreement also outlines strict protocols for data retention, destruction, and disposal, ensuring responsible management of shared information,” he added.

Data showed that as of December 2024, 16,299 PEZA visas were issued to principals of PEZA-registered business establishments, along with 5,286 dependents, bringing the total to 21,585.

Japanese citizens topped those having PEZA-issued visas with 35.01 percent, followed by Indians with 18.7 percent, Chinese with 11.46 percent South Koreans with 10.64 percent, and Taiwanese with 2.92 percent.

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