THE 2019 revenue collection of Bureau of Immigration (BI) reached a record P11.9 billion as of December 31, 2019.
According to a statement released by the BI on Sunday, commissioner Jaime Morente said that the bureau’s income has increased steadily in recent years. The previous year’s total was P9.2 billion.
“More foreign visitors naturally results in more income from immigration fees for the government. This contributes significantly to government coffers and may be used for major improvement projects for our country,” said Morente, citing reports that the number of foreign visitors to the country reached eight million.
The Department of Tourism had set its target of foreign visitors to the country in 2019 at 8.2 million.
On Dec. 27, the eight millionth visitor to the Philippines was welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. (GMA News)
