IRRI's International Organization Status

IRRI is granted all immunities and privileges customarily accorded to international organizations of universal character within the Philippines.

IRRI enjoys immunity from penal, civil, and administrative proceedings unless such immunity is expressly waived by the Director-General or authorized representatives.

IRRI's official communications are afforded priority treatment similar to diplomatic missions and international institutions.
Rights include use of communication codes, exemption from censorship, and privileges for dispatch and receipt of correspondence via diplomatic couriers or sealed bags.
Import and export restrictions do not apply to IRRI publications.

IRRI is exempt from all forms of national and local taxation, including gift, franchise, specific, percentage, real property, exchange, import, and export taxes.
Exemptions extend to goods imported for use or lease by IRRI staff.
Gifts, donations, and contributions to or by IRRI for educational or scientific purposes are tax-exempt.
Non-Filipino senior staff are exempt from income tax on salaries or stipends received as remuneration by IRRI.
IRRI is exempt from all customs duties, prohibitions, and restrictions, except for charges related to storage, transport, and service.

IRRI may hold and manage funds, gold, or foreign exchange in any currency.
The Philippine government assists IRRI to obtain favorable conditions for currency exchange and fund transfers.

The government facilitates entry, stay, and departure for IRRI members, staff, fellows, visiting scientists, and their families.
Persons associated officially with IRRI are exempt from visa formalities, alien registration, residence permits, and work permits, provided they are not engaged in other gainful employment in the Philippines.

Board members, officials, senior staff, fellows, scholars, trainees, and visiting scientists enjoy customs facilities for personal effects and baggage inspection exemptions akin to diplomatic agents.
Such personnel may use communication codes, enjoy diplomatic courier privileges, and are exempt from immigration restrictions and national service.
They receive exchange privileges similar to diplomatic agents on temporary missions.

Non-Filipino senior staff of IRRI are exempt from income tax on foreign currency salaries, pensions, and benefits.
The Director-General holds privileges and immunities equivalent to those of ambassadors.
Other officials designated by the Director-General enjoy diplomatic agent or administrative staff privileges.
Non-Filipino officials benefit from exemption from military service, immigration restrictions, and enjoy repatriation and exchange facilities similar to diplomatic personnel.
They can import furniture and personal effects duty-free within one year of assuming duties.

Immunities are granted to ensure freedom of IRRI’s operations, not for officials' personal benefit.
The Director-General may waive immunities if doing so does not prejudice IRRI and facilitates justice.

The decree is to be interpreted to enable IRRI to fully and effectively perform its functions and responsibilities.