The Bureau of Immigration (BI) advised foreigners who were planning to leave the country during the upcoming All Souls Day or Undas to comply with the immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in an advisory that registered foreigners who are permanently living, working, or studying in the Philippines may secure their re-entry permit (RP) or special return certificate (SRC) prior to departure in any of the different BI's district, field, satellite, and extension offices nationwide.

For foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months, he said they may also secure their emigration clearance certificates (ECC) before departure.

Tansingco said that getting the necessary permits early will cut the wait time in half because people won't have to wait in line at the BI's airport cashiers.

With the complete elimination of all COVID-related travel restrictions, the BI Chief stated, "We are expecting a surge in passengers at their airport this coming Undas." This time, he added, "we are seeing a tremendous increase in volume of New Year's Day travelers."

The BI Chief emphasized that further immigration services may be accessed online through the BI's e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

Tansingco mentioned that the Bureau also maintains a one-stop shop (OSS) facility at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also obtain the abovementioned documents.

Additionally, Tansingco reemphasized earlier instructions to travelers to arrive at least three hours before takeoff and to proceed directly to immigration after checking in.

He claimed that because they have designated a rapid response team, mobile counters, and additional immigration officials for the holiday season, they are optimistic that operations will run more smoothly.