Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 758)
The SVEG is a special visa issued to a qualified non-immigrant foreigner who actually employs at least ten (10) Filipinos in a lawful and sustainable enterprise, trade, or industry in the Philippines. It grants special non-immigrant status with multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay.
Non-immigrant foreigners who actually engage in a viable and sustainable commercial investment or enterprise in the Philippines, have authority to manage employees (hire, promote, dismiss), have a genuine intention to indefinitely remain in the Philippines, are not a risk to national security, and whose enterprise provides employment to at least ten (10) Filipinos in accordance with Philippine labor laws.
They are considered special non-immigrants with multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay in the Philippines without the need for prior departure. The privileges may also extend to their spouse and dependent unmarried children under 18 years old.
Upon payment of regulatory fees, the Commissioner of Immigration receives and resolves applications within fifteen (15) days. Documentary proofs are reviewed flexibly. Upon approval, a Notice directs the foreigner to report for registration, where an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card and Identification Certification (IC) are issued. Upon denial, a motion for reconsideration may be filed once within fifteen (15) days.
Revocation can occur if the holder fails to maintain compliance with conditions, obtained the SVEG fraudulently, is convicted of a crime by final judgment in the Philippines, or if a competent authority determines the foreigner poses a risk to national security.
The foreigner shall be deported via summary proceedings if revoked for non-compliance, fraud, or security risk. If revoked due to conviction, deportation follows after serving sentence. Deportation is to the country of origin, nationality, or residence prior to coming to the Philippines.
The One-Stop-SVEG Facility, established within the Bureau of Immigration, coordinates various government departments to assist foreigners in processing documentary requirements needed for SVEG applications to streamline the issuance process.
The Commissioner of Immigration collaborates with representatives from DOJ, DOF, DTI, DFA, DOLE, NICA, other government agencies, and stakeholders including chambers of commerce to promulgate the IRR within thirty (30) days from the signing of the Executive Order.
The Commissioner must submit regular monthly reports on implementation to the Office of the President and Secretary of Justice, and furnish certified copies of SVEG issued plus supporting documents for departmental recording and review.
No. Section 7 clarifies that nothing in this Executive Order diminishes or precludes the powers of the President as Chief Executive or the Secretary of Justice as Department Head over the Bureau of Immigration under existing laws and executive issuances.