Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 130)
The Balik Scientist Program is a program instituted under the Department of Science and Technology to encourage Filipino science and technology experts residing abroad to return and work in the Philippines to share their expertise for accelerating the country's industrial 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 for a short-term (at least 1 month) or long-term (at least 2 years) period in their field of expertise.
Short-term Balik Scientists may be granted free round-trip economy airfare from a foreign country to the Philippines by direct route, and may receive grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the Secretary of Science and Technology.
Long-term Balik Scientists may receive free one-way economy airfare including airfare for the spouse and two minor dependents, duty-free importation of professional instruments and personal effects, no-dollar importation of motor vehicles under certain conditions, travel tax exemption, reimbursement of freight expenses for shipment of a car and personal effects, housing assistance, exemption or facilitation in professional registration, grants-in-aid for research projects, and special non-immigrant visas for themselves and dependents.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) administers the Balik Scientist Program and issues the implementing rules.
Yes. Under the Long-Term Program, Balik Scientists can import motor vehicles without dollar payment provided that the importer complies with the Board of Investments' guidelines on No-Dollar Importation of Second-Hand Motor Vehicles of Returning Residents/Immigrants and other relevant guidelines.
Balik Scientists can be exempted from travel tax under Section 2 of Presidential Decree No. 1183 and Section 3 of Republic Act No. 6768 (Balikbayan Program) if they do not fall under the general exemption categories.
The family of the Balik Scientist or new graduate is reimbursed for freight expenses for 2.5 tons volume weight for surface shipment of a car and personal effects. Additionally, for air travel, reimbursement is allowed for excess baggage not exceeding 20 kgs per adult and 10 kgs per minor dependent; any excess is borne by the scientist.
It is the policy of the Government to encourage Filipino science and technology experts from abroad to return to the Philippines and share their expertise to accelerate the country's industrial development.
Yes. The Secretary of Justice shall grant special non-immigrant visas under Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 to Balik Scientists and their dependents upon certification by DOST, exempting them from visa, immigration, and registration fees.