Philippine Department of Justice Bureau of Immigration Memorandum Circular No. 2023-004: “Guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-Jin”

   For remaining Japanese left behind after World War II in the Philippines, fines and fees based on Japanese nationality when departing from and re-entering the Philippines will be deferred from now on. 

 

1   On July 5, 2023, Philippine Department of Justice Bureau of Immigration Memorandum Circular No. 2023-004 , entitled “Guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-jin.”came into effect. As per these Guidelines, fines and fees imposed on remaining Japanese individuals who were left behind after World War II when depart and re-enter the Philippines without a Philippine passport will be deferred, provided they obtain prior certification from the Bureau of Immigration, confirming their status as “Philippine Nikkei-jin.”(announced by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration in August this year)

 

2 Pursuant to the Guidelines, remaining Japanese individuals left behind after World War II must submit the following three application documents to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration located at Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, to obtain the certification (BI Order) from the Bureau of Immigration.

a. Notarized request letter for recognition as a “Philippine Nikkei-jin” as specified in the Guidelines

   The letter should include (i) the applicant's personal information (name and date of birth), (ii) a brief explanation of their personal history as a “Philippine Nikkei-jin,” and (iii) it must be notarized by a Notary Public in the Philippines. 

 

b. Certificate issued by the Embassy of Japan confirming the applicant as a “Philippine Nikkei-jin”

   This certificate will be issued upon request at the consular section of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

 

c. Photocopy of the Japanese passport or travel document

 

  Please be advised that the process at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines requires approximately three working days from the submission of all documents to the Commissioner. Therefore, it is advisable to initiate the procedures well in advance of your intended travel schedule to Japan.

 

3   For assistance with the application and document preparation process at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines, individuals can seek assistance from the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC). If you have been in contact with the PNLSC for matters such as making an entry into the family registry, please direct your inquiries to their Manila office, listed below. Additionally, for any other questions or uncertainties, please feel free to contact and consult with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines at your convenience.

 

 

2627 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300

Tel. no.  (02)8834-7514

Email:   ryoji@ma.mofa.go.jp

 

 

Rm 322 ASI Bldg. #1518 Leon Guinto St. cor. Escoda St.

Malate, Metro Manila 1004

Tel. no.  (02) 8-353-3096  /  Cellphone no.  0999 881 5358

Email:   pnlsc_mla@yahoo.com / pnlscmla@gmail.com