The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) can now check if foreigners applying for Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV) have derogatory records, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, June 24.
In a statement, the BI said it signed a data sharing agreement with PRA last June 21.
Commissioner Norman Tansingco said: “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 PRA is mandated to process applications for SRRV to be issued to foreigners who are eyeing to retire or permanently reside in the Philippines.
“The Data Sharing Agreement introduces an advanced online/electronic system designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of information between the BI and PRA,” Tansingco said.
“This allows the PRA to access travel histories and facilitate the verification of any derogatory records,” he also said.
At the same time, Tansingco said the agreement bolsters the implementation of Republic Act No. 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
The agreement will be valid and effective for five years and, afterwards, subject to renewal after every two years, he added.
