Philippines Welcomes Returning Former Citizens

Filed in archive Pacifica on October 17, 2007

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration now issues a one-year visa-free authorization to live in The Philippines to returning Filipinos and their spouse and children.

Called "balikbayans," the rule applies to former Philippine citizens who naturalized as citizens of another country. To benefit from the new rule, balikbayans must declare at the port of entry to the Filipino immigration officer of the intent to invoke the balikbayan privilege. The request must be accompanied by proof present citizenship and former Filipino citizenship.

See Immigration grants one-year visa-free stay to 'balikbayans', INQUIRER.net, October 15, 2007, for more information.