While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is tasked to enhance national security and protect territorial integrity, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is responsible for enforcing immigration and registration laws. Both agencies play important roles in the country’s development.
Created by virtue of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the Bureau of Immigration serves as the country’s immigration regulatory and control body. Today, the Bureau also participates in enforcing the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 or Republic Act No. 9208.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Based on its official website, the Bureau of Immigration is envisioned “to be an inclusive, modernized, and resilient border control organization that exercises a culture of excellence and accountability.”
Consequently, the Bureau’s mission is to “secure the borders through automated and streamlined immigration control systems.”
Notably, the core values of the Bureau are Patriotism, Integrity, and Professionalism.
Duties and Responsibilities
In pursuit of its vision and mission, the Bureau of Immigration seeks to achieve the following general and specific functions.
General Functions
The Bureau’s main functions include:
- Acting as the primary repository of all immigration records related to entry, temporary travel, admission, residence, and departure of all foreigners in the Philippines;
- Acting as the main enforcement arm of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the President of the Philippines in making sure that all foreigners within its territorial jurisdiction comply with existing laws; and
- Assisting local and international law enforcement agencies in securing the peace and safety of the state against foreigners whose presence or stay in the country may be considered as threats to national security, public safety, public health, and public morals.
Specific Functions
In line with its general functions, the Bureau’s specific roles include:
Border Control and Travel
- Regulating the arrival, stay, and departure of foreign nationals in the Philippines; and
- Monitoring the entry and exit of Filipino citizens in compliance with the country’s laws and legal procedures.
Visa Services
- Issuing immigration documents and identification certifications on immigrant, non-immigrant, and non-immigrant visas; and
- Extending the stay of temporary visitors and implementing changes of status in accordance with the law.
Alien Registration
- Issuing Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) for foreign residents; and
- Conducting mandatory Annual Reports for registered aliens.
Permits and Clearances
- Issuing special permits related to the enforcement of immigration laws, such as Special Study Permit (SSP), Special Work Permit (SWD), Provisional Permit to Work (PPW), clearances, re-entry permits, etc.
Law Enforcement
- Administratively determining citizenship and related status;
- Investigating, hearing, deciding, and executing orders related to the exclusion, deportation, and repatriation of foreign nationals;
- Implementing Hold Departure Orders, Alert List Orders, Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders, Blacklist, and Watchlist;
- Canceling immigration documents upon violation of immigration laws and procedures; and
- Investigating, arresting, and detaining foreigners in violation of immigration regulation and other Philippine laws.
Accreditation
- Accrediting schools and learning institutions that can officially accept and enroll foreign students; and
- Accrediting law firms, liaison officers, travel agencies, and other individuals and organizations that transact with the Bureau.
Contact Information: BI Head Office
Questions and concerns may be addressed to the Bureau of Immigration Head Office, which has the following contact details:
Address: Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila
Email: xinfo@immigration.gov.ph / immigPH@immigration.gov.ph
Website: https://immigration.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration
Google Map:
Border control, visa issuance, immigration law enforcement — these are just some of the services provided by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Along with the DFA and other government agencies, the Bureau helps to ensure peace, order, and safety within the country.