The Bureau of Immigration has reported a 559-percent (!) increase in the number of registered foreigners in the Philippines during the first semester 2010. The new alien registration division chief Danila Almeda said the number of foreigners listed at his office numbered almost 58.000 as of June 2010, compared to only more than 12.000 who were registered in the same period in 2009.
Almeda disclosed that during the first quarter of the year, the number of BI-registered aliens increased already by 365 percent and their number surged further during the second quarter.
Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar is now the officer-in-charge of the bureau.
Expatriats or working visa applicants account for the bulk of registered foreigners, followed by holders of student visas and foreigners married to Filipinos.
I would really agree with Almeda's statement attributing the large increase in registered aliens to the aggressive campaign of former BI-commissioner Marcelino Libanan in encouraging foreigners to visit, do business and study in the Philippines. I met Libanan several times personally.
Of course, the Philippines remains as a favorite destination for foreign business executives, many of whom are employed by multinational companies.
And one more thing: Also citied as a major factor is the success of the BI's regionalization program where in the various field and satellite offices of the bureau were mobilized to encourage foreigners outside of Metro Manila to register and regularize their stay in the Philippines. I am also glad and happy being able to deal with the BI-office in Davao City for example. No need for travelling to Manila... .
