MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that over 133,000 registered foreign nationals holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas in the Philippines participated in this year’s Annual Report, conducted from January 1 to March 1.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that a total of 133,372 foreign nationals reported for the mandatory annual reporting, slightly lower than the approximately 135,000 foreign nationals who complied with the requirement in 2025.
According to Viado, the figure represents a decrease of roughly 1.5 percent from last year’s total.
The BI chief noted that the marginal decline in the number of reportees is within expected levels, as the population of registered foreign nationals residing in the country naturally fluctuates each year.
He explained that such variations may be attributed to global trends, and there was a noted decline of foreign nationals in the country after the pandemic.
BI Alien Registration Division Chief Atty. Jose Carlitos Licas reported that Chinese nationals accounted for the highest number of reportees at 50,094, followed by Indians with 21,108, Americans with 11,519, South Koreans with 6,922, and Taiwanese with 6,842.
Licas added that the top five nationalities of reportees remained unchanged from the 2025 Annual Report.
He noted that this year’s annual report recorded an increase in foreign nationals completing their reporting virtually and paying fees through the Bureau’s online system, while others continued to report in person at BI field, extension, and satellite offices nationwide.
The Bureau said the virtual reporting system, part of its Bagong Immigration initiatives, improved accessibility and convenience, allowing many reportees to complete the process online.
Under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, registered foreign nationals in the Philippines are required to file their annual report with the Bureau within the first 60 days of the year.
Viado thanked foreign nationals who complied with the requirement and reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to continuously improving its services while strengthening immigration monitoring in the country. #