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PHILIPPINES – Key Updates on PEZA Visa, Motion for Reconsideration and Temporary Visitor Visa
June 6, 2024
By: Patricia Clarino
Several updates to visa and immigration policy have emerged recently from the Philippines. We outline these developments in detail below.
Downgrading of PEZA visa
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) PEZA Extension Office has initiated a new procedure where the approval of a downgrading application for a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Visa will now be communicated via email.
This email will serve as the formal notice of approval and will also contain information on the downgrading implementation, emigration clearance certificate (ECC-A), and order to leave information, if applicable. This new measure is effective immediately and companies are advised to monitor their email accounts for such notification.
Suspension of motion for reconsideration
Effective immediately, the BI has suspended the filing of motions for reconsideration related to denied visa applications. This suspension will continue until new guidelines are established or further notice is given.
Companies are advised to complete the visa application carefully and provide the complete set of documents when filing a visa to avoid refusals. Otherwise, if the visa application is refused, a new application has to be re-submitted given the filing for a motion for reconsideration will no longer be available until further notice.
New rules for extending Temporary Visitor’s Visa online
The BI has issued new guidelines for extending Temporary Visitor’s Visas (TVV) online. Effective immediately, foreign nationals can use the Online Application and Payment System (OAPS) to extend their TVVs, except for specific ineligible groups who are still required to visit the BI office for extension applications.
Online extensions are only available to those admitted under Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 or Executive Order No. 408. It is worth noting that visa extensions should be filed before the expiry of the initially granted authorized stay.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
