Fully vaccinated clients of the Bureau of Immigration no longer have to secure an online appointment schedule at their head office in Intramuros, the agency announced Sunday.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente issued an advisory saying that “individuals who are able to present their vaccination cards or certifications that showing that they are already fully vaccinated may be allowed entry to process their immigration-related documents, without the need of prior booking through their online appointment system.”

The exemption applies to persons who have received their second jab in a two-dose vaccine two weeks prior appointment, or two weeks after their single-dose vaccine.

Unvaccinated individuals or those who are unable to present proof of their vaccination will still have to secure a slot through BI’s appointment system found at the website e-services.immigration.gov.ph.

Morente explained that this policy change comes as the government de-escalates the National Capital Region to Alert Level 2, as recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“This would allow us to provide services to more clients, while still ensuring that strict health protocols remain in place,” Morente added.

Since Metro Manila’s transition to Alert Level 2, the BI also announced the extension of work hours in NCR offices, reverting to their regular 7 am to 5:30 pm schedule. 

Morente also directed that all BI offices in Metro Manila and other areas under Alert Level 2 to observe a minimum of 50% up to a maximum 70% skeleton workforce while adopting alternative work arrangements.