UMVA has learned that a proposed plan to impose additional fees on travelers has not yet been finalized, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
The clarification comes after reports emerged that the agency would begin collecting a P480 fee, with Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado stating that any plans are still subject to approval.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that a $4 user fee, or around P247, was part of a proposal for the Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project, a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing immigration operations.
The CAISS project seeks to integrate advanced biometric systems, real-time risk assessment, data integration, and automated border control technologies to streamline immigration processes.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Commissioner Viado has ordered a comprehensive review and consultation process to assess the necessity, reasonableness, and potential benefits of the proposed user fee.
The review will focus on determining whether the fee would provide tangible benefits to travelers, while also ensuring adequate safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity.
The agency will engage in consultations with stakeholders from the aviation, tourism, and transport sectors to gauge the impact of the proposed fee on passenger convenience and processing efficiency.
Meanwhile, Palace officials have indicated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has not taken a stance on the matter, citing its proposal stage and uncertainty over implementation.
The President's Press Officer emphasized that the proposal may still be rejected or modified, urging against alarm as the plan remains in development.
