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PHILIPPINES – Personal Appearance for Emigration Clearance Certificate Applications
December 4, 2023
Effective from 17 November 2023, applicants for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) being processed at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office are required to appear in person. The Bureau’s Extension Office at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority also requires in-person appearance of foreign national applicants for ECC applications.
Issued by the Bureau of Immigration of The Philippines, the ECC certifies that you have no pending obligation with the government of the Philippines.
In-person appearance is now required for foreign citizens who are required to secure regular ECC or ECC-A prior to their departure such as:
- Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more,
- Holders of expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visa,
- Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa with Orders to Leave.
Immigration Insights
No written communication has yet been issued regarding personal appearance for ECC applications. However, we understand this policy to be in effect. We will continue to monitor and issue a supplemental client alert as necessary.
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.
