Philippines launches online platform for several immigration applications

On 12 July 2023, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration launched an online platform that allows individuals to submit certain immigration applications electronically. It is expected that the new portal will soon be expanded to allow eligible individuals to submit work, business and student visa applications online. Eligible individuals may now submit the following immigration applications electronically on the eServices platform: (i) tourist visa extension requests; (ii) visa waiver requests submitted by individuals who enter the Philippines without a visa based on their nationality (i.e., visa-free nationals) and seek to extend their stay in the country beyond the initial visa-free period of 30 days; (iii) requests for travel documents submitted by holders of Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards who depart the Philippines temporarily; (iv) Waiver of Exclusion Ground, which enables children below 15 to enter the Philippines without a parent or guardian;  and (v) dual citizenship.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.

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