Immigration fast-tracks simple visa issuance system nationwide

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan has ordered his information technology staff to fast track the implementation of the agency’s visa-issuance-made-simple (VIMS) project in all subports and field offices nationwide.

Libanan directed BI computer section chief Jollybert Galeon to pursue the full and complete implementation of the VIMS system in some 24 remaining subports and BI offices that have yet to adopt the scheme.

He advised Galeon that foreigners in the said areas must likewise benefit from the VIMS like their counterparts based in Metro Manila and other areas in the provinces that are now benefiting from the scheme.

“Foreigners living in the provinces should not come to our main office in Intramuros, Manila just to have their immigration status updated. They should do it in our satellite, district offices or subports nearest to them,” Libanan said.

Considered as Libanan’s flagship project and launched in 2008, the VIMS simplified the procedures and reduced by an average of 58 percent the documentary requirements for filing visa applications.

The increase in the agency’s revenue was attributed to the success of the VIMS as the project gained the confidence of foreigners in the country.

Records from the bureau’s finance and management division showed that the immigration fees breached the P2 billion mark last year despite the global economic crisis. “In 2008, when the VIMS was implemented, the bureau’s income reached a record-high of P2.11 billion,” BI spokesman Floro Balato said. Balato said the project helped cut red tape as it ushered in the expeditious processing and approval of visa applications, including the updating and extension of tourist visas.

“Incidence of petty graft was also reduced because foreigners realized it is no longer necessary to engage their services of fixers who facilitate their visa applications for a fee,” he explained.

Moreover, the BI reported that of the 53 immigration subports nationwide that have been targeted to adopt VIMS, 29 are already implementing the project.

Among the BI offices outside of Metro Manila that have adopted the VIMS system are those based in Cebu, Davao, Laoag, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Angeles, Baguio, Dumaguete, Olongapo, Dagupan, Batangas, Legaspi, Naga, Cabanatuan, Aparri, Santiago, Calapan, and Glan Sarangani.

All BI immigration areas and satellite offices in Metro Manila, including the extension offices in Makati and Pasay, are also implementing the VIMS.

Libanan said his staff will try its best to complete the installation of the VIMS system in the remaining subports within  the year.