Republic Act 6768 (passed on 03 November 1989) as amended by Republic Act No. 9174 on 03 January 2003, instituting a "Balikbayan" Program for the Philippines provides certain benefits and privileges to returning Filipinos, former Filipino citizens and immediate members of their family who have been out of the country (Philippines) for more than one (1) year. Click here http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2002/ra_9174_2002.html
A balikbayan is defined as the following:
a) Returning Filipino citizens;
b) Filipino overseas worker;
c) Former citizens of the Philippines who are now holders of foreign passport.
Benefits and other Privileges
1. VISA-FREE entry for one (1) year.
The said privilege is also extended to the foreign spouse and minor children of the "balikbayan" but only when they are travelling together with the principal to and from the Philippines.
To avail of this privilege, former Filipino citizens must present their valid foreign passport and may be requested for the following (with translation in English, if applicable):
- Old Philippine passport or Philippine birth certificate;
- Foreign naturalization papers to show former Philippine citizenship; or
- Certification from adopted country.
In case of qualified family members of the "balikbayan", they must present their valid foreign passport and may be requested for the following (with translation in English, if applicable):
- Birth certificate (in case of children);
- Marriage certificate (in case of spouse);
- Adoption papers (in case of legally adopted children).
