Key Takeaways:
- Foreign nationals with fraudulent 9G visas in the Philippines must visit the Immigration office immediately to avoid arrest.
- The 30-day grace period for 9G visa holders to downgrade or rectify their situation ended on December 31, 2023.
- The BI has implemented changes, including reorganizing visa-issuance procedures, following the discovery of fraudulent 9G visas and the involvement of four immigration lawyers.
Immediate Action Required for 9G Visa Holders
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals with fraudulent 9G visas. If you’re a holder of a 9G visa acquired through bogus companies, it’s imperative to visit the Immigration office without delay to prevent the risk of arrest.
9G Visa Grace Period Over
Dana Sandoval, the BI spokesperson, announced that the 30-day grace period provided to 9G visa holders concluded on December 31, 2023. During this period, affected foreign nationals were given the opportunity to downgrade their stay. Sandoval emphasized:
“We do not yet have the official number of foreigners with 9G visas, but I think Chinese nationals top the list of foreigners that applied for the 9G visas endorsed by fake employers, followed by Vietnamese.”
The Cost and Processing Time of a 9G Visa
For those unfamiliar with the process, the 9G visa, commonly known as a pre-arranged employment visa, allows foreigners to live and work in the Philippines legally. The official fees for the visa are P130,000 for a one-year validity and P140,000 for a two-year period. Typically, processing a 9G visa takes nearly a month.
Crackdown on 9G Visa Fraud
The scandal involving the illegal issuance of 9G visas has led to significant changes within the BI. After discovering that four of their lawyers were implicated in the fraudulent activities, the BI has taken concrete steps to overhaul their visa-issuance system. In line with this, BI Chief Norman Tansingco stated:
“We have reorganized the visa-issuance procedures, revamped from top to bottom, including the procedures in accepting, reviewing, and assessing, up until the issuing of the visas.”
On Thursday, the BI mandated the exit of some 2,000 foreign nationals found to hold 9G visas obtained via a pre-arranged employment scheme. The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by the four aforementioned immigration lawyers, who have been relieved from their duties since December last year.
The BI’s Verification and Compliance Division (VCD) found that in 2023 alone, 459 applications issued visas were petitioned by fake companies. There is speculation this fraudulent operation has been running since 2019, with at least 2,000 foreigners having 9G visas issued under these schemes.
Virtual Annual Report for Registered Foreign Nationals
In a move to simplify compliance processes, the BI has introduced a virtual Annual Report system. This is especially beneficial for immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders who possess an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card). The law mandates these individuals to report to the BI within the first 60 days of each year.
Tansingco highlighted the advantages of this new online reporting feature, providing the convenience of fulfilling annual obligations from the comfort of one’s home.
For more detailed information and to ensure compliance, foreign nationals can visit the official Bureau of Immigration Philippines website and explore the various options for reporting and further inquiries.
It is of utmost importance for foreign nationals residing in the Philippines to stay informed and up to date with their legal requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are serious and can lead to arrest and deportation. Therefore, foreigners holding 9G visas acquired under suspicious circumstances must act swiftly to rectify their situation and adhere to the laws of the Philippines.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions
Here are some specialized terms related to immigration that are used in the provided content:
- 9G Visa: Also known as a pre-arranged employment visa, the 9G visa is a type of visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines. It allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in the Philippines.
Bogus Companies: In the context of immigration, bogus companies refer to fraudulent or fake employers. These companies may be involved in the illegal issuance of visas to foreign nationals, such as the 9G visa.
Grace Period: A grace period is a specified period of time after a specific deadline or expiration date during which certain actions can still be taken without facing penalties or consequences. In the context of the 9G visa, the grace period provided an opportunity for affected foreign nationals to downgrade their stay or address any issues with their visa.
Processing Time: The processing time refers to the duration it takes for an immigration office or authority to complete the necessary procedures and paperwork for a specific visa or immigration process. In the case of the 9G visa, the processing time is usually around one month.
Crackdown: A crackdown refers to a strong and decisive action taken by authorities to suppress or punish illegal or prohibited activities. In the context of the 9G visa fraud, the Bureau of Immigration carried out a crackdown on the fraudulent issuance of 9G visas and took measures to overhaul their visa-issuance system.
Virtual Annual Report: The virtual annual report is an online system introduced by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines to simplify compliance processes for registered foreign nationals. It allows immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders with an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) to fulfill their annual reporting obligations online.
Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card): The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is an identification card issued to registered foreign nationals in the Philippines. It serves as proof of their legal status and allows them to stay and work in the country.
Compliance: Compliance refers to the act of adhering to or following rules, regulations, or legal requirements. In the context of immigration, compliance means meeting the obligations and responsibilities imposed by immigration laws and authorities.
Please note that the definitions provided here are specifically tailored to the context of the content provided, and may vary in other immigration contexts or jurisdictions.
In conclusion, it’s crucial for any foreign national with a fraudulent 9G visa to take immediate action and visit the Bureau of Immigration. Don’t risk arrest or deportation. Stay informed and fulfill your legal obligations. For more information and expert guidance on visa matters, visit visaverge.com. Let’s navigate the immigration process together!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Attention 9G visa holders! The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration has ended the grace period for fraudulent visa holders. Visit the Immigration office now to avoid arrest. The 9G visa allows foreigners to legally work and live in the country. For more details, check the Bureau of Immigration website. Act fast!
