All resident foreign nationals in the country are reminded Wednesday by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to report in person to the bureau beginning Monday, January 4, 2010 to file their annual report, or face sanctions for being improperly documented aliens.

In a directive, BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the annual reporting of foreigners will start on Jan. 1 to March 4, in compliance with the Alien Registration Act of 1950 which mandated foreigners to report to the BI within the first 60 days of calendar year.

However, Jan. 1, being New Year day, falls on a holiday, thus, foreigners are advised to report in person on the first business day, Monday.

Libanan warned that foreigners who fail to make the annual report will be meted administrative fines or face imprisonment and deportation at the discretion the BI commissioner.

Danilo Almeda, BI alien registration divison chief, explained that the annual reporting requirement is provided under Sec. 10 of the said act of 1950 and applies to all aliens who are holders of immigrant or non-immigrant visas.

Almeda said foreigners who are holders of any visa, except temporary visitors, are required to make the annual report.
“Foreigners can make their annual report at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila or any of its extension, district, subport, or satellite offices in Metro Manila and throughout the country,” Almeda added.

He also advised foreigners to go directly to the cashier’s office and pay their fees so they would not to be victimized by unscrupulous fixers.