Immigration on heightened alert ahead of SEA Games
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:58:05 +0000
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) placed its personnel on heightened alert ahead of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the holiday rush.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued the directive on Friday in preparation for the expected influx of Filipino and foreign travelers in the next few weeks.
“We are expecting up to 3 percent increase in arrivals and departures this holiday season. We are certain that there will be more tourists and balikbayans who will be flying in this Christmas,” said Morente.
“Even more now that the SEA Games will be held in the country, we are projecting an added 8,000 delegates, including athletes, media, technical officials, volunteers, fans, and audiences,” he added.
BI records showed that in December 2018 alone, more than 1.5 million passengers arrived the country, while more than 1.2M left.WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL