BI says ready for Undas travel influx

The Bureau of Immigration said it will have sufficient manpower at airports to handle the increase in travelers during the All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day break.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that BI personnel deployed in all major international airports remain sufficient to cater to the needs of the travelling public. As previously practiced, officers are disallowed from going on vacation leaves during the peak season.

Apart from the new immigration officers, augmentation teams have been assigned and mobile counters are ready for deployment as needed, said the BI chief.

The BI is forecasting 4 million arrivals for the entire 2023 fourth quarter. From October to December, the BI also anticipates 3.8 million departures — numbers that are close to pre-pandemic figures.

"We have implemented numerous changes in our systems to cater to the resumption of international travel after the pandemic," said Tangsingco.

Prior to the pandemic, passenger volume at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport increased by an average of 6 to 10 percent.

Tansingco reminded the public to arrive at the airports at least three hours prior to their flight and proceed directly to the immigration area for clearance after check-in.

All BI officers in all airports are likewise placed on heightened alert. "I have ordered all terminal heads to conduct close monitoring of our operations in the coming weeks to ensure smooth processing," said Tansingco.