DOJ extends visa relief for foreigners in PH until May 1

The Department of Justice has extended its visa relief program for foreign nationals affected by the Middle East conflict.

DOJ Sec. Fredderick Vida announced on Mar. 31 that the department is extending the program to May 1 under Department Order 219.

"We do understand that there are still some visiting foreigners who have difficulty going back because of the restrictions and the various constraints. So, based on the order I signed yesterday, we’re extending this to May 1,” Vida said in a press briefing.

“(W)e did this unilaterally for humanitarian reasons and the premise of compassion. So, their stay will no longer be a worry regarding the lack of a legal basis to stay in the Philippines would be a worry for them."

On March 13, Vida signed a department order directing the Bureau of Immigration to allow foreigners whose visas expired last Feb. 28 to legally stay in the Philippines until April 1. This comes with no additional fees, fines, or penalties.

Vida added that the visa relief program emphasizes the country’s commitment to humanity in times of global crisis.

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