BI rejects petition of #Loveisnottourism movement

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) rejected the #Loveisnottourism movement’s petition, which requested to allow foreigner fiances of Filipinos to enter the country so they could get married.

“We acknowledge the petition of the #Loveisnottourism movement, and we understand how difficult it must be to be separated from your loved one. But this is a temporary measure. We trust the wisdom of the IATF, and we are ready to implement immediately, should there be any changes in travel restrictions,” BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated.

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Cabinet Secretary Karlo  said the Philippines is not yet ready to accommodate more  amid calls of #Loveisnottourism.

The government should be taking “calibrated” steps in the Philippine economy’s gradual reopening, Nograles said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday.

“Right now, hindi pa tayo handa. Hindi namin sinasabing no as in no, ang sinasabi lang po natin, step by step process po ‘yan,” said Nograles, who is also co-chairperson of the policy-making Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF).

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Also read: IATF mulls lifting travel ban on foreigners

BI rejects petition of #Loveisnottourism movement

The official also said the IATF is already finalizing the guidelines for the outbound travel of Filipinos.

As a response to the #Loveisnottourism movement, BI issued a reminder to the public that travel restrictions and that not all foreigners are allowed to enter the Philippines.

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“Generally speaking, only Filipinos, their spouse, and minor children are allowed to enter the country holding tourist visas,” said Morente.

Current restrictions likewise allow foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parents of minor Filipinos, and foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs to enter the country.

Morente stressed that eligible to enter must secure an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates before their arrival.

“We have encountered instances when spouses of Filipinos who previously enjoyed visa-free privileges try to enter the country under the same manner,” said Morente.

According to the 2010 Philippine Census, around 177,000 foreign citizens living abroad in the country, 31% in Metro Manila.