Immigration to enhance online appointment system

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente said it would improve the agency’s online appointment system amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The management recognizes concerns about the limited availability of schedules in the system, but we deem this system as a necessity to lessen the risks of the public when transacting in our offices,” said Morente.

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Also part of its long-term plan, BI Commissioner Morente said that he had ordered concerned offices to implement a system for the separate appointment of accredited entities who submit bulk processing of applications.

Processing applications in bulk would lessen in-person contact, which would lessen the risk of transmitting the virus.

“I have also instructed that a regular assessment of the system be conducted to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness,” said Morente. “These are new systems and procedures, and we’re still in the early phases of its implementation. System assessments would allow us to fine-tune this to better cater to the public,” he stated.

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Apart from this, Immigration also aims to implement online transactions in the future. “We’re looking into implementing online transactions, and we’re still in the process of studying which processes can be fully automated,” said Morente.

Also read: Travel restrictions still in place – Immigration

Immigration to enhance online appointment system

Morente likewise noted that their different field and district offices across the country are open to cater to various immigration transactions.

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In June, the BI launched its online appointment system to ensure “ensure that social distancing protocols are observed following the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Henceforth, only clients with appointment code will be served during the specified date and time of their appointment,” Morente then said.

Those who visit BI will have to present government-issued or valid identification cards before entering the office.

“Nonetheless, clients may still avail of the services of BI-accredited travel agencies and law offices if they wish so that the latter may secure the online appointment and transact business on their behalf,” Morente explained.

The complete set of procedures and requirements needed for every BI transaction can be accessed thru the bureau’s website at www.immigration.gov. ph.