Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 130)
The Balik Scientist Program, instituted under Executive Order No. 130, is a program under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) designed to encourage Filipino science and technology experts residing abroad to return to the Philippines and share their expertise to accelerate industrial and scientific development.
A Balik Scientist is a science or technology expert who is either a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, residing abroad, and contracted by the National Government to return and work in the Philippines in their field of expertise for either a short term (at least one month) or a long term (at least two years).
The program has a Short-Term Program with a duration of at least one (1) month and a Long-Term Program with a duration of at least two (2) years.
Incentives include free round-trip economy airfare from a foreign country to the Philippines by direct route, and grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the Secretary of Science and Technology.
Incentives include free one-way economy airfare for the scientist and family (return airfare after completion), duty-free importation of professional and personal items, no-dollar importation of motor vehicles under certain conditions, exemption from travel tax, reimbursement of freight expenses for car and personal effects, housing assistance, exemption or facilitation in professional registration, research grants, and special non-immigrant visas exempt from certain fees.
It allows duty-free importation of professional instruments, tools of trade, personal and household effects, and motor vehicles under specified guidelines to support the Balik Scientist's reintegration into the country without financial burden on importing such essential items.
The Department of Science and Technology administers the program and is responsible for issuing implementing rules in consultation with appropriate government agencies.
The program is financed through the programmed appropriations of the Department of Science and Technology for Assistance to Scientific Research and Development Activities with Local and Foreign Institutions, pursuant to the annual General Appropriations Act.
Yes, the Secretary of Science and Technology may call on the heads of any government departments, agencies, bureaus, or government-owned or controlled corporations to ensure effective implementation of the program.
Participants and their dependents are granted special non-immigrant visas (Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act) exempt from visa, immigration, and registration fees, with validity policies determined by the Secretary of Justice. However, the Secretary of Justice may refuse visas to restricted aliens.