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BI allows overstaying foreigners to extend stay in PH

The news that the BI allows overstaying foreigners to extend stay in PH will come as welcome news and a relief to some. With the effect of Covid, it’s a sensible move.

I personally know of at least two foreigners who are happy at this news for different reasons. One got married recently here in the Phils and intends to apply for his 13A visa, but of course that takes time and his three years on a tourist visa expires in October 2021. He was telling me, before he heard this news, that the cost of flights out of the country (if you can find one) are exorbitant right now owing to the travel restrictions.

You can read the full article in the online Inquirer here.

They announced:

Orders to leave given to foreigners who have overstayed their temporary visitor’s visas amid the COVID-19 pandemic have been temporarily suspended, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Sunday.

“Pursuant to various resolutions from the IATF 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,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente explained in a statement.

The directive will cover holders of temporary visitor’s visas who have reached the 24-month period maximum stay for visa-required nationals and a 36-month period maximum stay for non-visa required nationals as of March 1, 2020.

The relief shall also apply to holders of temporary visitor’s visas who have overstayed in the country starting March 1 regardless of the maximum allowance period.

However, concerned foreigners will still be assessed and will be required to pay immigration fees and penalties in lieu of the order.

If you are in any way affected by this, my advice is to contact your local BI office. Remember to have cash ready to pay any overstay fees.

 

 

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