Are “Masses” of Expats Really Being Arrested in the Philippines?
WHAT: A panic is spreading in expat Facebook groups claiming the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is arresting “masses” of Western expats and retirees for visa violations.WHERE: Nationwide (Fueled by recent national news headlines).THE REALITY: The BI is indeed conducting mass arrests and deportations right now. However, they are targeting illegal offshore gaming workers (POGOs) and […]
Rumor Alert: Is the Tourist Visa Max Stay Dropping to 12 Months?
WHAT: A rumor is spreading that a “new law” will reduce the maximum tourist visa stay from 36 months down to 12 or 24 months.WHERE: Discussed heavily in expat Facebook groups and forums.THE REALITY: As of right now, no such law has passed. The Philippine Congress rarely changes the base immigration laws. What is actually […]
Does the New $100k Investor Visa Give You Dual Citizenship?
WHAT: A rumor is spreading that the new FIV (FAB-Investor Visa) grants dual citizenship or a Philippine passport. This is false.WHERE: Nationwide (Discussed heavily in expat Facebook groups and by unlicensed “visa agents”).THE REALITY: The $95,000 FIV grants you Permanent Residency (PR). This means you can live in the Philippines forever without doing visa runs. […]
Uncollected passports are sent to your embassy after 5 days
WHAT: If you do not collect your passport (with your new extension) on the date printed on your receipt, the BI holds it for about five more days — then forwards it to your embassy. Collecting it from the embassy takes much longer. WHERE: Reported for a Metro Manila office. Likely standard procedure nationwide. WHEN […]