DATA SHARING. PRA chief executive officer (CEO) and general manager Roberto Zozobrado and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco sign a data sharing agreement on June 21, 2024. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said the two agencies would have access to derogatory records and travel history of foreigners applying for retiree's visa as part of efforts to screen foreign nationals applying for retiree visa in the country. (Photo courtesy of BI)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) have joined forces in enhancing the issuance of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) to foreign nationals opting to retire or reside permanently in the country.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, BI Legal Division chief Arvin Santos and PRA chief executive officer (CEO) and general manager Roberto Zozobrado and Management Services Department Manager Antonio Rivera signed the data sharing agreement between the two agencies at the PRA head office in Makati City on June 21, the BI said in a news release on Monday.
Under the pact, the two agencies would have access to derogatory records and travel history of foreigners applying for retiree's visa.
By law, the PRA is mandated to process applications for SRRV, a special non-immigrant visa that permits multiple entry, provides other benefits and is issued to qualified foreign national retirees.
Tansingco said the BI would assist the PRA in vetting foreign nationals applying for retiree visa in the country.
“This electronic data exchange system would allow for better monitoring, assisting the PRA in the implementation of their mandate, as well as allowing the BI to intercept foreign nationals with derogatory records attempting to reside in the country,” the BI chief said.
The initiative aims to expedite data exchange, facilitating smoother procedures for holders of the SRRV and enabling a more efficient monitoring system for immigration officers.
The agreement also introduces an advanced online/electronic system designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of information between the BI and PRA.
This allows the PRA to access travel histories and facilitate the verification of any derogatory records.
Likewise, the system seeks to bolster the implementation of Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
The agreement shall be valid and effective for a period of five years, and subject to renewal every two years. (PNA)
