Issuance of Regular ECCs to Certain Aliens
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration Advisory No. SBM-13-001 emphasizes that any alien departing from the country must obtain a clearance certificate from the Commissioner of Immigration, as stipulated in CA 613, Sec. 22 (a). The advisory clarifies that airport-processed Exit Clearance Certificates (ECCs) do not meet this requirement. Regular ECCs will be issued to specific groups, including temporary visitors staying six months or more, immigrants and non-immigrants with downgraded or expired visas, and those leaving permanently. Additionally, it applies to native-born temporary visitors, aliens with orders to leave, and bona fide seamen who have stayed for thirty days or more.
September 20, 2013
BI ADVISORY NO. SBM-13-001
CA 613, Sec. 22 (a) states, among others, "Any alien about to depart from the Philippines temporarily or for permanent residence abroad shall, before leaving the country, apply to the Commissioner of Immigration for a clearance certificate".
But airport-processed ECCs do not comply with CA 613, Sec. 22 (a).
To address this, ARD shall issue regular ECC's to:
i. Temporary visitors under CA 613, Sec. 9 (a) who stay for six months and beyond (BI Memo Order No. ADD-01-019);
ii. All immigrants and non-immigrants with downgraded or expired visas, except (i);
iii. All immigrants and non-immigrants with valid visas, but are leaving for good, except (i);
iv. Native-born temporary visitor's initial departures; cHaICD
v. All aliens with orders to leave; and
vi. Bona fide seamen with BI approved discharge, who stay for thirty days and beyond.
(SGD.) SIEGFRED B. MISONOfficer-in-ChargeBureau of Immigration