MANILA, Philippines — Investors are now allowed to enter the Philippines following the easing of travel restrictions by the government.
“Effective immediately, treaty traders and treaty investors, or those issued visas pursuant to Section 9(d) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, are allowed to enter the country,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) Director Jaime Morente said in a statement on Saturday.
Morente was referring to 9(d) visa holders who, as defined by the bureau, are here “to carry on trade or commerce pursuant to an existing treaty of commerce and navigation” or to “direct … the operations of an enterprise” in the country.
The spouses and children, as well as employees, of these visa holders are also entitled to the same visa, he said.
He said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases had issued a new resolution allowing the entry of more foreign nationals to the country.
Multinational companies
Also allowed to enter the country are foreigners with visas issued by economic zones, such as the Freeport Area of Bataan, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Clark Development Corp.
Visitors holding visas granted pursuant to Executive Order No. 226 or the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, may be allowed to enter, Morente also said.
Visas under EO 226, as amended by Republic Act 8756, the law on operations of multinational companies in the country, are given to foreigners employed as executives of these companies, their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
These travel documents are often valid for a period of three years, or equivalent to the foreigner’s employment contract with his or her headquarters.
Another visa in line with EO 226 is the Special Investor’s Resident Visa, which the government issues to attract more foreign investments to the country.
But “SIRVs issued under Executive Order No. 63 in tourist-related projects and tourist establishments are still restricted,” the BI said, referring to the order strengthening the authority of the Maritime Industry Authority.
“Only those issued under EO 226 may be allowed for now following the IATF ruling,” the bureau said.
— Tina G. Santos