There’s good news for foreign nationals previously blacklisted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) due to registered sex offenses. A recent development offers a path for them to potentially lift the blacklist and enter the Philippines under specific circumstances.
Immigration Administrative Circular No. IAC-2024-001, published on May 10, 2024, outlines the new process. Following amendments to immigration rules approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ), registered sex offenders can now directly petition the BI Main Office to lift their blacklist.
Humanitarian Considerations Will Guide Decisions
The BI will evaluate each case based on humanitarian grounds, considering factors like:
(a) The severity of the Offense: The seriousness of the committed sex offense will be a significant factor.
(b) Time Since the Offense: A significant lapse in time since the offense may be viewed favorably.
(c) Reason for Travel: The purpose of travel to the Philippines will be weighed in the decision.
(d) Public Safety Concerns: The potential threat to public safety posed by the individual will be a crucial consideration.
(e) Other Case Specifics: Any additional relevant details of the case will be factored into the evaluation.
Delisted Sex Offenders Abroad
For registered sex offenders (RSOs) who were subsequently delisted from a foreign sex offender registry, the BI will assess whether they still pose a threat to public safety in the Philippines.
A Welcome Development for Foreign Travelers
This amendment to immigration rules offers a chance for foreign nationals with legitimate reasons for travel to the Philippines to have their blacklist lifted on humanitarian grounds.
Compliance Requirements
To ensure a successful petition, it should comply with the following regulations:
(a) Immigration Administrative Circular (IAC) 2024-001
(b) Immigration Memorandum Circular (IMC) SBM 2015-010
Seeking Legal Representation (Optional)
While legal representation is not mandatory, we understand this process can be complex. We are here to assist you if you need help with:
(a) Understanding the latest regulations.
(b) Preparing and submitting your petition.
(c) Navigating communication with the BI.
We Can Help You
With over 26 years of experience, we specialize in immigration law. If you have questions or require legal assistance regarding this new process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
4 Comments
— by Janet Obsioma Jennings
Hi po sobrang tuwa po ako nang mabasa ko ang article po na ito at naisip ko po na God hears my prayer na meron hope makapunta Asawa ko dito sa Pinas. my husband is a sex offender sa State po niya.( Texas)
He was 17 years old at that time turning 18. Now he is 43. We married in Hongkong. I was OFW at nag forgood napo ako. Umuwi ako sa Pilipinas year 2022 of March 26. Dahil nga po sa process to register my marriage dito sa Pilipinas. Natapos kona po ang submition ng mga documents. Maghintay nalang daw po ako ng 3-6 Months para makakuha nako marriage contract sa PSA.
Hanggang ngayon po hindi papo kami nagkasama muli physically ng Asawa ko From 2019 hanggang ngayon po. Gusto kona po sanang makasama ang Asawa ko. Nawa po payagan siyang. Makapasok sa Pilipinas para makasama ko man lang siya bago ma aprove po ang spousal visa. Sobrang tagal po ng process namin dahil isa pa po isang beses palang po kaming nagkasama pero araw araw po kaming magkausap online.
Please advice me what to do po.
Lubos na gumagalang,
Mrs. Jennings.
— by Charles Jenninfs
I am from the USA snd married my Filipina in 2019 in Hongkong. She is currently living in The Phillipines. Periodically I check to see if the law changed to allow foreign sex offenders into the country. That is how I found your website. Would you please contact me about this new process.
Our AWA waiver was denied. We have made arrangements to begin a refined waiver by November.
In the meantime we would like to see eachother in the Phillipines. We have not seen eachother physically since our wedding in 2019.
Thank you in advance
— by Annoyed
Hindi dapat ikinatutuwa ang pagpasok ng mga Sex offender sa bansa. kawawa ang mga tao dito. wala na ngang nakukuhang hustisya, magpapapasok pa ng mga kriminal.
— by Rodney
I sympathize greatly with your situation and hope you can regain entry to the philippines. My situation is similar yet quite different. I am not married to a Filipina or have any family or romantic interests there. I was refused entry into Manila just recently this month due to false data floated by the share of Florida. Summarily they detained me in manila, my destination and denied me entry and sent me back home to U. S. I can’t tell you how angry this made me and to be put on a blacklist as well. I discussed this with attorney and will pursue actions against Florida as the info came from them. I am also checking if this data is on any other countries immigration data base. Good luck in your fight as I am sure we have one. Good luck to you sir.