In depth
Foreign spouses, parents, and children of Philippine citizens
Beginning 1 August 2021, foreign spouses, parents, or children of Philippine nationals, whether traveling with the Philippine national or not, need not secure an EED before applying for 9(a) entry visas.
Foreign nationals without valid visas normally require an EED to enter the Philippines, as the entry visa process and visa-free privilege have been suspended. An EED is no longer required for foreign spouses, parents, or children of Philippine citizens.
Diplomatic and crew visas
FSPs may issue 9(e) diplomatic and 9(c) crew visas without need of an EED.
Foreign nationals to be employed in the Philippines
FSPs may now issue 9(g) and 47(a)(2) work visas for foreign nationals to be employed in the Philippines.
The process for 9(g) visa applications under FSC 2021-011 is as follows:
- The Philippine employer of the foreign national will apply for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The filed AEP application is a prerequisite for the 9(g) visa application.
- The Philippine employer will file the 9(g) visa application with the BI.
- The BI shall convey the authority to issue the visa to the DFA-OCA, which will forward the authority to the FSP.
- The FSP will issue the 9(g) visa upon receipt of the authority from the DFA-OCA.
FSPs may issue 47(a)(2) visas only for foreign-funded government projects, such as those for transportation and other infrastructure. The issuance of 47(a)(2) visas for all other categories of foreign nationals by the FSPs remains suspended.
*Authored by Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein. Please contact QTInfoDesk@quisumbingtorres.com for inquiries.
VISIT QUISUMBING TORRES SITE
