Source: Business - Gov’t extends ACR I-card validity to 5 yrs - INQUIRER.net Gov’t extends ACR I-card validity to 5 yrs Inquirer Last updated 04:09am (Mla time) 04/12/2007 Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila lauded Wednesday the recent extension of foreign residents’ registration to five years from one, saying this was a big push to efforts to make the country more open to international businesses. Last April 3, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued a memorandum order that extended the validity of the alien certificate registration I-card, which is a requirement on foreigners who are permanent residents of the Philippines. The ruling means foreigners residing in the country need not go yearly to the BI to renew their ACR I-card. Favila said the five-year ACR I-card was co-terminus with the visa for temporary residents from the date of issuance. “The extension aims to lessen the paperwork that foreigners, especially businessmen, have to take care of during their stay in the country,” he said. Favila, who chairs the Anti-Red-Tape Task Force and co-chairs the National Competitiveness Council, said the government was relaxing its rules to make the country more attractive to investors. “By doing so, we make the economic environment healthy for foreign capital to come into the country,” he said. “By lengthening the card’s validity, the government sends a positive signal to the foreign business community that the country is open for business and that it gives a warm and lengthy welcome to visitors,” he added. The ACR I-card is a replacement for all the Bureau of Customs’ ACRs and includes multiple entry and exit visas on a credit card-sized document and is required of all people who enter the Philippines and stay over six months regardless of the type visa they have. The ACR I-card is a microchip-based credit card-sized identification card issued to registered aliens. It has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically. The alien registration process records the date of entry, personal circumstances, residence, date of exit and death of foreigners in the Philippines. Also, the ACR I-Card aims to promote government efficiency, improve level of services to the alien population, eliminate harassment of aliens and increase revenues for the government. Great news, I hope that also counts for the yearly registration of permanent residencies Up until now 2 issues were needed yearly... the yearly registration of permanent residencies and renewal of I-Card...
