New immigration cards to come out next week

Manila, Philippines - A new immigration arrival and departure card to be used by passengers in all international airports in the country starting next week was launched at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday.

In simple ceremonies held at the Airline Operators Council (AOC) lounge, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David and executive director Eric Dimaculangan received copies of the new cards from AOC officials led by its president Ma. Lourdes San Juan.

At least 30,000 arrival and departure cards are being used at the NAIA everyday.

The Philippines is using about 18 to 20 million cards a year, with the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines consuming about five million copies, followed by Cebu Pacific with three million.

AOC has been printing the cards for 10 years now, at no cost to the government.

“This is a good step with both public (immigration) and private (AOC) partnership working together to improve the image of the bureau with the introduction of the new and improved immigration card,” David said.