In continuing efforts to simplify frontline services and improve access by the traveling public, the Department of Justice today announced the issuance of newly designed and printed Bureau of Immigration (Bl) Arrival and Departure Cards. These cards are used to document passengers, for border management and compilation of tourism statistics.

"Consistent with Presidential instructions, these cards are funded by government, distributed by authorized personnel and free of advertisements," Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima said.

The airlines used to print the cards sometimes even photocopied when forms run out. Advertisers used to pay to be featured in these cards which are circulated globally.

"The design and data fields of the cards are aligned with our existing computer systems - the upgraded BI Information System (BUS)," said BI Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison. "Even the size of the color-coded forms is aligned with that of the standard passport page," he added.

The BUS is a major component of the flagship National Justice Information System (NJIS) to link and share information among justice sector institutions.

Living up to the BAYANIHAN spirit of teamwork, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) provided valuable inputs to the new cards while the National Printing Office (NPO) was tapped to print the cards and to ensure regular supply.

The use of the new Arrival and Departure Cards will begin in March 2014. Old cards will be phased out.

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Arrival and Departure Cards: