ANGELES CITY—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched its nationwide caravan which offers a “one-stop service that allows the transacting public to receive their immigration documents on the same day that the application was filed.”
The caravan, dubbed “Service Beyond the Metro: Lakbay-Ugnayan sa Aming ika-75 Kaarawan” aims to engage and collaborate with the transacting public and the local communities to allow a more transparent and more effective and efficient processing of immigration documents.
Immigration Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison said the caravan is “the first in the history of the BI” and is also part of the program of activities leading to the bureau’s 75th anniversary in September.
“This is a first in the history of the BI,” Mison said during the launching at the Marquee Mall here, where the bureau maintains a field office.
Heads of issuing offices of the BI are also present to address queries from the public and receive suggestions to improve immigration services.
“Due to system limitations, some papers need to be transmitted to our main office in Manila for approval. But through Service Beyond the Metro, we are basically bringing our main office services around the country,” he said.
The caravan offers the following services: long-stay visitors’ visa extension; extension and implementation of student visa; updating of stay; alien registration program (ARP); and application and issuance of ACR I-Card.
The program will run for two months and will include services to Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, among others.
The Service Beyond The Metro caravan is set to be opened in Baguio this week.