Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11035)
Republic Act No. 11035 is titled the "Balik Scientist Act."
The State recognizes the importance of utilizing the expertise of science, technology, or innovation experts of Filipino descent to support the nation's political, economic, and social development efforts and encourages their participation in research and development initiatives for the country.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is responsible for administering the Balik Scientist Program.
A Balik Scientist is a science, technology, or innovation expert or professional, certified by DOST, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, residing abroad or in the Philippines for not more than three years from the most recent arrival, and who undertakes science and technology activities in the country with a host institution.
The terms of engagement are short-term (15 days to 6 months), medium-term (more than 6 months up to 1 year), and long-term (more than 1 year up to 3 years, renewable).
General benefits include exemption from licensing or permitting requirements of the PRC, accident and medical insurance, reimbursement for excess baggage allowance related to scientific activities, exemption from renouncing allegiance, and tax and duty exemptions on donated or imported professional equipment and materials.
Long-term Balik Scientists receive one round-trip airfare exempt from travel tax for themselves and their families, special nonimmigrant visas, exemption from alien employment permits, tax and duty exemptions on importations, exemption from immigration clearance fees, relocation allowances, housing allowances, assistance for spouses’ job opportunities, and funding for the establishment of facilities or laboratories.
Balik Scientists assume mentorship, leadership, professional, or technical roles in the R&D Leadership Program and other similar initiatives as part of their contractual obligations.
DOST is tasked with surveying and identifying scientific needs, processing applications, facilitating benefits, issuing rules and regulations, monitoring program implementation, assessing impact, and coordinating with host institutions and other government agencies.
Balik Scientists must submit their respective accomplishment reports to the DOST after serving their term to ensure results are properly applied and utilized.