The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has entered into an agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard on the implementation of the bureau's Expanded Program for Alien Typing System (EXPATS) last July 29.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan agreed to join hands for the successful implementation of the project.
The EXPATS is a project of the BI which aims to account, monitor, register, and capture the biometric information of all foreign nationals in the country, particularly targeting far-flung areas and remote islands.
EXPATS aims to encourage foreign nationals to register and legalize their stay in the country, with the BI bringing its registration services on the ground.
Under the agreement, the PCG will provide logistical assistance within the capability of its districts, as well as security support and briefings.
“With this project, we hope to attract unregistered foreign nationals to legalize their stay. We will be prioritizing remote islands. There is no more reason for foreigners not to comply with immigration laws,” Tansingco said.
The BI chief said that they will be coordinating with local government units for the deployment of registration teams in different regions.
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