Question & AnswerQ&A (BOI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. MCL-09-002)
The purpose is to prescribe guidelines and procedures for the accreditation of private entities and their representatives in the Bureau of Immigration to implement Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) and support the BI Corruption Prevention Action Plan.
Private entities such as travel agencies, law offices, and other private entities along with their authorized representatives are eligible to apply for accreditation to transact business with the Bureau of Immigration on behalf of aliens.
Each Accredited Private Entity is allowed a maximum of two (2) representatives.
All APEs except law offices must post a cash or surety bond of Php 100,000 issued by GSIS or a top private insurance/surety company as certified by the Insurance Commission to ensure compliance with obligations.
No person is allowed to enter the Bureau of Immigration premises or transact business without a valid accreditation ID displayed at all times, except for passport owners or immediate relatives with Special Power of Attorney, bona fide lawyers, certain employees with attorney authorization, and responsible officers of accredited private entities.
The accreditation fee is Php 5,000, renewal fee is Php 3,000; issuance of new ID costs Php 1,000 and renewal of ID costs Php 500.
BIARA endorses applications for accreditation and renewal for travel agency representatives, liaison officers, and other entities; however, lawyers are exempt from being BIARA members.
The Bureau may suspend or revoke accreditation, impose penalties, forfeit bond amounts, confiscate expired accreditation IDs, or ban individuals from entering the premises upon violations or complaints based on evidence.
No, scouting for clients within the Bureau premises and influencing Bureau employees for pecuniary gain are prohibited acts under the Bureau’s Code of Conduct.
Representatives must undergo training covering Philippine Immigration law provisions, RA 9485, duties and obligations, BI Code of Conduct, security policies, and merit-based evaluation.
Accreditation and issuance of certificates or IDs will not be granted until full compliance, and non-compliance may lead to suspension or revocation of accreditation and related sanctions.