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PHILIPPINES: Manila PEZA Office Now Requires Personal Appearance for Certain Visa Applications
January 30, 2020
Effective immediately, initial applications for Special 47(a)(2) Non-Immigrant Visas for principal applicants by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered enterprises under the functional supervision of Zone Office National Capital Region (NCR) require a personal appearance by the applicant.
Previously, this was not a general requirement. Zone Office NCR covers the entire Metro Manila.
Based on an initial discussion with PEZA, upon submission of the application documents and evaluation, the PEZA evaluating officer will issue an evaluation report indicating any additional required documents and the schedule for interview of the principal applicant.
The Zone Office NCR Manager will conduct the interview and may ask the principal applicant about their job (e.g., position and job description) and other matters the interviewing officer may deem relevant.
Note that this new requirement does not currently apply to other PEZA Zone Offices, nor to visa extension applications, nor to dependent applicants.
Our Advice
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the Philippines, please contact us.
