QuestionsQuestions (BI JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2014-001)
It applies to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (the “Zone”) and sets the rules implementing the 10 September 2014 Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA).
BI recognizes CEZA’s authority to receive and process applications and required supporting documents for CEZA Investor’s Resident Visa (CIRV), CEZA Working Visa (CWV), and CEZA Dependent Visa (CDV), consistent with Republic Act No. 7922 and its implementing rules.
Nothing in the circular diminishes BI’s authority to enforce immigration laws, rules, and regulations within the Zone.
A proper application must be filed with BI Main Office/Office of the Commissioner at least 48 hours before the scheduled arrival date; BI may then grant a single-entry VUA with an initial authorized stay of seven (7) days, in the Commissioner’s discretion.
Typically: (1) letter request from a CEZA-licensed locator to the Commissioner with applicant details; (2) endorsement letter from CEZA; (3) Sworn Guarantee and Undertaking by the CEZA-licensed locator; (4) photocopy of passport bio-page; (5) arrival flight information; and (6) BI Clearance Certificate (BICC).
With CEZA endorsement and proper application by the CEZA-licensed locator, the 7-day stay may be extended for not more than 30 days per extension, up to a maximum of two (2) extensions.
It allows CEZA to convert a valid VUA or Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV) to CIRV/CWV/CDV upon submission of BI clearance certificate, without need to exit the country.
They must apply for and secure appropriate CEZA working visas and a CEZA Card not later than 31 December 2014, subject to downgrading of their current visa by BI without need to exit the country.
Their non-CEZA working visas may be cancelled and downgraded by BI upon CEZA endorsement, and they must exit the country.
They are allowed entry and admitted as temporary visitors under Section 9(a) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, with the notation: “CEZA VUA”, subject to compliance with immigration laws.
CEZA visa holders may enter/exit multiple times and are admitted under the same terms as when they left, without needing an ACR I-Card, Re-Entry Permit, Special Return Certificate (SRC), Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), and other types of BI-required clearances.
It is an identification card system developed/enforced by CEZA; it may include personal information, biometric data, and records of CEZA and immigration-related transactions.
Exit is denied; the person must secure clearance from CEZA (unless other grounds defer departure). They may be included in BI’s blacklist based on CEZA recommendation and may re-enter only upon CEZA endorsement.
Entry is denied, but the person’s name is not immediately included in BI’s blacklist. They may request CEZA endorsement for possible recall of an exclusion order before implementation, unless there are other grounds for exclusion.