Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Elaine Tan stated: According to airport statistics, 33% of travelers are denied departure due to the lack of an ECC.
Tan said: "It is very unfortunate that we have to stop our foreign friends from leaving, but we must enforce the law."
Section 22-A of the Philippine Immigration Act stipulates that any foreigner intending to leave the Philippines temporarily or permanently must apply for a certificate from the Commissioner of Immigration to ensure that the foreigner has no outstanding obligations or liabilities in the Philippines.
Foreigners required to present an ECC upon departure include: 1. Holders of temporary visitor visas (tourist visas) who have resided in the Philippines for six months or longer; 2. Holders of expired or downgraded immigrant or non-immigrant visas; 3. Holders of valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas who are leaving permanently; 4. Foreigners born in the Philippines who are leaving for the first time; 5. Holders of tourist visas with a departure order; 6. Seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for thirty days or longer. Holders of valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas who intend to return to the Philippines may obtain an ECC at the airport.
Tan stated: "The processing fee for an ECC is 1,210 pesos. However, if the foreigner has overdue payments, additional fees will apply. Foreigners must apply for an ECC three days before departure, and this ECC is valid for one month."
