QUEZON CITY -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that it is ready for the possible influx of foreign students returning to the Philippines.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente vowed that they will ensure that the process of converting to student visas remain smooth and seamless.

“I have instructed our personnel to coordinate with our other stakeholders to ensure the smooth processing of returning foreign students,” said Morente.

“This would be the Bureau’s share in helping the recovery of the education sector that was also badly hit by the pandemic,” he added.

During the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, majority of foreign students in the Philippines were repatriated to their home countries following nationwide closures and lockdowns.

Anthony Cabrera, Chief of the BI’s student visa section, said that they are expecting the return of foreign students to the country by the 3rd quarter of the year, when schools start their school year. He said that some schools have already announced that they will hold limited face-to-face classes.

“We are encouraging these foreign students to come back and continue their courses, which have been disrupted by the pandemic,” said Cabrera. He shared that he had several meetings with school officials and groups, who have expressed their desire to resume
accepting foreign students.

Prior to the pandemic, the BI reported that there were more than 35,000 foreign students studying different courses in the country, many of which are under the medical field.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) previously said that their agency is marketing the Philippines as a destination for learners, particularly targeting those who wish to study the English Language.

Cabrera added that they have coordinated with the different government agencies in charge of foreign students to ensure that they are ready to process the applications of those who will be returning. (BI)