Grace period ends, BI to use machine-readable cards by Jan. 1
source: GMANews.tv - http://www.gmanews.tv/story/180547/grace-period-ends-bi-to-use-machine-r...
After a lengthy grace period, the Bureau of Immigration will fully switch to machine-readable arrival-departure (A/D) cards starting Friday, January 1.
In a notice to the public placed in Metro Manila newspapers, the BI said it will no longer accept or process the old A/D cards.
"Starting 01 January 2010, the new arrival/departure cards will be fully used by all arriving and departing passengers in the country. The BI shall not accept and process the old A/D cards," it said, adding it has partially implemented the use of the new A/D cards since June 1 this year, on request of the Airline Operators Council.
It said the AOC had asked bureau to give them reasonable time prior to its full implementation.
"All international airlines and passengers are enjoined to fully cooperate in the utilization of these new A/D cards to avoid unnecessary inconvenience," the BI said.
BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the new card would help the BI exercise its law enforcement function, particularly in tracing the entry and departure of people suspected of involvement in terrorism, human trafficking, drugs and arms smuggling, and other transnational crimes as well as those afflicted with contagious disease.
Last June, the agency launched the machine-readable A/D cards, but some airlines asked for more time to implement it.
At the time, some airlines said there were many old arrival cards that remain un-disposed in their counters at some ports of origin abroad where they operate flights bound for the Philippines. - LBG, GMANews.TV
