advisory

COVID-19 Philippine Advisory (Release 5.0) – Extension of ECQ in High Risk Areas until 15 May 2020

24 April 2020

President R. Duterte has approved the further extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) / lockdown in Metropolitan Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other high-risk areas in Luzon (Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, Catanduanes, and the Mindoro provinces) until 15 May 2020.

During this time, the travel ban as communicated last 22 March 2020 remains to be in effect (see note appended below)

Further to this, our office can still provide the following services remotely:

• Destination Relocation Services:

Conduct needs assessment calls;
Share housing market information;
Share sample properties on-line;
Conduct lease contract reviews and negotiation;
Coordinate and assist in utilities set-up such as internet and cable.
Provide school information
Coordinate temporary housing bookings.
Provide information on bank accounts opening requirements.
Provide information on local registration requirements.

• Immigration & Consular Services

Some government offices remain operational but are on skeletal force therefore presenting limited activity, thus the following services of the Bureau of Immigration have suspended the following until the ECQ has been lifted:

Filing of applications of extension of/conversion to non-immigration/immigration visa including hearing/interview;
Filing for downgrading of visa status;
Filing for extension of tourist visa;
Filing of applications of Special Work Permits / Provisional Work Permits;
Filing for the renewal of ACR I-cars; and
Implementation of BOC – approved visa applications for extension of / conversion to non-immigrant/immigration visas.

Foreign nationals whose visas will expire during the duration of the ECQ shall be allowed to file their applications for extension within 30 days from the lifting of the ECQ.

Lastly, Apostille and Legalization services with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies are suspended until further notice.

COVID-19 Philippine Advisory: New Travel Restrictions (Release 3)

22 March 2020

ALL foreign nationals with the following visa will be temporarily banned from entering the Philippines (highlighted our most impacted population):

Those under Visa Waiver Agreements (AJACS, AJACSSUK, FSC, MCL);
Those with Special Visas (SRRV, SIRV, ABTC, and economic zone visas, etc.);
Those who fall under Executive Order No. 408, s 1960 (EO408);
Those holders of Hong Kong-SAR, Macau-SAR, Macau-Portuguese, and British National Overseas Passports; and
Those Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa Holders (i.e. 13, 9(d), 9(f), 9(g), 47(a)(2) EO 226, etc.)

Exceptions:

Holders of visas granted under MCL-07-021 (Chinese nationals married to Philippine citizens) and MCL-08-003 (South Korean nationals married to Philippine citizens);
Holders of 9(e), Temporary Resident Visas, and 13(a) visas;
Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals;
Foreign government and international organization officials accredited to the Philippines (diplomatic visas); and
Foreign crew members

Impact on foreign nationals:

Unless their visa falls under the exceptions, foreign nationals are advised to please refrain from travelling outside the Philippines.
Otherwise, there is a risk of not being allowed to return during the effectivity of the ban.
The restriction have no impact on foreign nationals who are currently in the country. This means that their existing work visas (and other types of visas) remain valid.
Visa holders who decided to leave the country in the wake of this lockdown shall not be allowed to enter until the enhanced community quarantine has been lifted.

Tag Archive advisory

COVID-19 Philippine Advisory (Release 5.0) – Extension of ECQ in High Risk Areas until 15 May 2020

COVID-19 Philippine Advisory: New Travel Restrictions (Release 3)

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