China News Service, July 22. According to the Philippine Business Daily, the Philippine Immigration Bureau stated on the 21st that from August 1st, only foreigners with permanent residence or immigrant visas can enter the Philippines.
The Immigration Bureau clarified that foreign tourists, non-immigrant visa holders, and other categories of foreigners are still prohibited from entering the Philippines. If they arrive in the Philippines, they will be sent back.
The Immigration Bureau said that the Director of Immigration made this clarification after learning that the immigration officers received a large number of inquiries from people who mistakenly believed that the Philippines had reopened its borders to all foreigners.
Morendi said in the statement: "The resolution of the Inter-agency Working Group on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is very clear. From August 1, only foreigners with long-term visas will be allowed to enter."
He added: "If you are not a permanent resident here, do not try to come to the Philippines because you will be denied entry."
The Director of the Port Operations Department of the Immigration Bureau, Midina, explained that only foreigners who fall into the following categories can enter the Philippines: those who hold a visa under Section 13 (13A) of the Immigration Law, and those who have obtained resident status under the Alien Social Integration Act (7919) , Foreigners born in the Philippines.
He also said that foreigners married to Filipinos, their dependants and foreign diplomats can go to the Philippines, just as the government previously allowed.