Question & AnswerQ&A (BI)
The main purpose is to modernize and improve the efficiency and security of the alien registration, identification, and monitoring system in the Philippines, especially in light of increased traffic and threats from terrorists, transnational criminals, and aliens with criminal records, through implementing an automated, accurate, fraud-proof, and tamper-proof system.
All registered aliens, including their dependents who have been issued paper-based Alien Certificates of Registration (ACRs), and all other aliens required to register under the Alien Registration Act.
A registered alien is a person who is not a national or citizen of the Philippines but has been validly granted a visa and issued an Alien Certificate of Registration.
The ACR I-Card is a microchip-based credit card-sized ID with biometric security features, containing personal information, photograph, visa details, biometrics (two digital fingerprint templates), signature, registration numbers, travel details, immigration fee payment data, and clearance certificates, making it fraud and tamper-proof.
The Committee checks the validity of immigration status and the genuineness of the ACR submitted, verifies the data, and endorses issuance of the ACR I-Card. It consists of five members including the Associate Commissioner in charge of IT projects as Chair.
Applications are made at the Main Office of the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila. Registered aliens outside Metro Manila may apply at a nearby district port once the system is set up there.
Applicants must submit a filled application form with original ACR documents, obtain an Order of Payment Slip from ARD, pay US$50 or peso equivalent, proceed to data capturing windows for biometric data, have the application verified by the ACR I-Card Committee, and claim the card on the designated date.
The fee is US$50.00 or its Philippine Peso equivalent as posted in major newspapers at the time of payment.
They will be subject to an administrative fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) per month or fraction thereof, with a maximum penalty of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00). After December 31, 2004, possession of a paper-based ACR is grounds to be considered not properly documented and subject to proceedings under relevant immigration laws.
Holders get special immigration booths with faster entry and exit processing (around 10 seconds), assurance of a genuine ACR, more efficient service, and the convenience and security of a tamper and fraud-proof credit card-sized ACR I-Card.
Yes, the ACR I-Card Committee can authorize data capturing to be done at the applicant's residence if physical incapacity warrants it.
All registered aliens are required to convert to ACR I-Cards by June 30, 2004.
Alien Registration refers to the process of accurately recording the entry, admission, personal circumstances, residence, exit, and death of non-citizens in the Philippines through documentation such as the issuance of relevant registration forms.