Foreigners Need Exit Clearance before Leaving Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) requires foreigners to secure an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before departing the Philippines. There are two types of clearances available to various visa holders, depending on the nature of the foreign national’s stay in the Philippines. Recent stringent enforcement is intended to increase foreigner accountability before the foreigners leave the country.

TWO TYPES OF EXIT CLEARANCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Immigration Bureau has released two types of clearances for foreign visitors who are about to exit the country. The ECC-A is given to foreigners who have tourist visas extended for more than six months, while ECC-B is issued to holders of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas with valid alien certificate registration I-Cards. These clearance certificates can be secured at BI satellite offices throughout the country.

BI CARRIED OUT STIFFER CLEARANCE COMPLIANCE

The BI has long required departing foreigners to secure an exit clearance but has only recently heightened enforcement. Immigration officials recall that the requirement was imposed during the leadership of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David, who resigned last July. Newly appointed Commissioner Siegfred Mison has warned foreigners about possible acquisition of fake ECCs from fixers, suspicious offices, and shady travel agencies. Violators will face immigration sanctions if found in possession of spurious documents.

Kittelson & Carpo Consulting is happy to help foreign nationals in the Philippines determine whether or not they are required to obtain an exit clearance before departing the country. With honest reinforcement of this immigration law, the Philippines can become a more friendly environment for the operations of both local and lawful foreign visitors and investors.

Reference: 

” Inquirer“, Aliens need exit clearance, says immigration bureau, January 15, 2014