Alien minors na bibiyahe sa Pilipinas maaaring magbayad sa pamamagitan ng online payment– BI

NI NERIO AGUAS

 Inanunsyo ng Bureau of Immigration (BI) na maaari nang magbayad sa pamamagitan ng online payment ang mga dayuhang menor-de-edad na bibiyahe patungo sa Pilipinas kahit hindi kasama ang kanilang mga magulang.

Sa inilabas na kalatas ng BI, sinasabing ang aplikasyon at bayad sa waiver of exclusion ground (WEG) para sa mga dayuhang menor-de-edad ay maaari nang ma-access sa pamamagitan ng BI’s online payment portal.

“This project is part of our continuing efforts to institutionalize paperless transactions in the bureau, reduce red tape, and deliver more efficient and faster services to the public,” sabi ng BI.

Sa ilalim ng Section 29(a)(12) ng Philippine Immigration Act, ang mga kabataan na 15-anyos pababa na hindi kasama ang kanilang mga magulang sa pagtungo sa Pilipinas ay maaaring ma-exclude.

“Thus, such minors may only be allowed entry, even if unaccompanied, if they have been issued a WEG by the BI and has paid a fee of P3,120 to the government,” ayon pa sa BI.

Ayon pa sa BI operations circular na inilabas noong May 25, ang mga aplikante ay kailangang magsumite ng WEG application sa loob ng 72-oras bago ang pagdating ng menor-de-edad sa pamamagitan ng BI’s online portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

“They shall completely fill out the WEG application e-form and upload clear digital or scanned copies of the documentary requirements, such as affidavit of support and guarantee, the parent’s and minor’s passport information, travel consent, return ticket, and valid entry visa, if applicable,” sabi pa ng BI.

“The prescribed fees shall then be paid online using a debit or credit card after which electronic receipts shall be issued though the applicant’s registered e-mail address.The BI shall then process and evaluate the application and issue its approval via the said email address within 24 hours from receipt of the application. Applications with incomplete documentary requirements or those left unpaid within 72 hours shall be automatically deleted from the system,” ayon pa sa  circular.