Question & AnswerQ&A (BI JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2014-001)
The implementing rules and regulations apply specifically to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (the Zone).
CEZA has the authority to receive and process applications and necessary documents for granting CEZA Investor's Resident Visa (CIRV), CEZA Working Visa (CWV), and CEZA Dependent Visa (CDV) under Republic Act No. 7922 and its implementing rules.
No, the issuance of CEZA visas does not diminish the Bureau of Immigration's authority to enforce immigration laws, rules, and regulations within the Zone.
VUA is a single-entry visa with an initial authorized stay of seven days granted by the BI to CEZA Preferential Visitors upon proper application filed at least 48 hours before arrival.
Requirements include a letter request from a CEZA-licensed locator containing the applicant's details, endorsement letter from CEZA, sworn guarantee and undertaking, photocopy of valid passport bio-page, arrival flight details, and a BI Clearance Certificate.
Yes, upon endorsement by CEZA and proper application, the initial seven-day stay can be extended up to two times, each extension not exceeding thirty days.
Yes, subject to BI clearance, CEZA may convert a valid VUA or TVV to CIRV, CWV, or CDV without the foreign national exiting the country.
Failure to comply by December 31, 2014, results in the cancellation and downgrading of the current non-CEZA visa by BI, and the foreign national must exit the country.
CEZA cardholders present the card during immigration inspection; failure to present a valid CEZA card may lead to denied entry or exit, requirement of CEZA clearance, and possible inclusion in BI's blacklist upon CEZA recommendation.
Yes, CEZA visa holders are admitted under the same terms and conditions as when they left without needing ACR I-Card, Re-Entry Permit, Special Return Certificate, Emigration Clearance Certificate, or other clearances required by BI.
The Immigration Courtesy Lane allows CEZA visa holders and CEZA Preferential Visitors expedited processing at all international ports of entry and exit.
Any amendments or modifications must be in writing and signed by both the Bureau of Immigration and CEZA to be effective and enforceable.