SOON, tourists from certain countries on the “restricted” list will no longer be required to obtain authorizations to board from the Department of Labor and Immigration prior to traveling to CNMI. Instead, they will be given 30-day visitors visas.
But a tourist from a country that has a consulate in the CNMI, such as the Philippines, will only need to present his passport and ticket, DOLI said.
“ATBs will be replaced by visitors visas for citizens of certain countries. But for those with consulates here, it’s not a requirement,” Labor and Immigration Secretary Joaquin A. Tenorio said in an interview with Variety.
He said these changes were proposed during DOLI’s discussions with various groups, including consulate officials and the business community. The new regulations are now awaiting Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s signature.
The new regulations will still comply with necessary immigration procedures, Tenorio said.
“We will still closely monitor the entry of people. The normal immigration procedure will remain and not sacrificed,” Tenorio said.
Pending ATB applications would still be processed, he added.
“We’re in the transition period. Pending applications would continue. Now, when it’s finally in place, we may just inform applicants about the new regulations,” he said.
After Sept. 11, 2001, the federal government restricted the entry of citizens from 67 nations without proper travel documentation such as the ATB. The Philippines, Thailand and China are on this restricted list.
The restrictions, however, negatively affected the local tourism industry, according to the business community.
