Our Blacklist Order (BLO) lifting assistance provides a rigorous legal pathway for foreign nationals seeking to restore the privilege to enter the Philippines. We specialize in navigating the complex administrative and legal processes of petitioning the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to remove their names from the derogatory database and overcome the undesirability and violation tags.
What You Should Know About Immigration Blacklist Orders (BLOs) in the Philippines
An Immigration Blacklist Order (BLO) is an official administrative directive issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines that bars foreign nationals from entering or re-entering the country due to immigration law violations or other serious concerns.
Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613), the BI is mandated to exclude or deport foreign nationals who pose a risk to the state or violate the conditions of their stay. These include:
Violators of Philippine Laws
Chronic overstaying, unauthorized work, false visa declarations, or conduct prejudicial to public interest, such as gross disrespect toward immigration officers, can result in immediate blacklisting.
Criminally Convicted
Foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the Philippines, especially those involving moral turpitude, are deported and blacklisted. Serious criminal convictions abroad may also bar entry.
Sex Offenders
Under a strict zero-tolerance policy, foreign nationals listed as sex offenders in their home countries are automatically deemed threats to public safety and denied entry.
Undocumented Individuals
Foreigners without valid passports or visas, or those using fraudulent or cancelled travel documents, are apprehended, deported, and blacklisted for unlawful stay.
Supporters of Subversive Acts
Those involved in terrorism, subversion, or acts against the Philippine government face immediate and often permanent blacklisting, subject only to review by the Secretary of Justice.
What Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Does
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law provides the strategic advocacy required to move a petition through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Justice (DOJ), as may be necessary. We assess the legal basis of the order, determine eligibility for lifting, and represent foreign nationals, while guiding them through procedures, timelines, and compliance to maximize the chances of approval.
Our Blacklist Order (BLO) Lifting Assistance
We provide end-to-end assistance with the immigration blacklist order lifting, which covers the following:
Case Assessment and Record Verification
We first obtain a BI Certificate of No Derogatory Record and a copy of the Immigration Blacklist Order (BLO) to confirm the grounds for the blacklist. We then perform an assessment to determine if the waiting period has lapsed or if a waiver can be requested.
Petition Drafting and Evidence Gathering
We prepare notarized affidavits, explanations, and petition letters. We also assist in gathering supporting evidence, such as NBI clearances and other certificates, and proof of previous settlement of immigration arrears.
Liaison with the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
We file the petitions on behalf of the foreign nationals with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) (if necessary), track their progress, handle payments, and represent petitioners in summary hearings, if required.
Implementation and Post-Lifting Certification
Once the lifting order is issued, we help secure a final Certificate of No Derogatory Record, which can be presented to airlines or consulates when travelling or applying for a new Philippine visa.
How to Get Started
For inquiries on requirements, processes, and fees, contact Duran & Duran-Schulze Law at (+632) 8478 5826, (+63) 917 194 0482, or info@duranschulze.com, or simply complete the form on this page. Our office is located at 1210 High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Need to Consult a Lawyer?
You can book an online or in-person consultation with Atty. March. Choose a 30-minute or 1-hour session, fill out the form with your information and preferred schedule, pay the fee via PayPal, and meet with the attorney at the scheduled time.
Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze
Managing Partner [Read Profile]
Business and Corporate Law, Family Law, Litigation, Immigration Laws, Real Estate, Labor Management, and HR Services
Blacklist Order (BLO) Lifting FAQs
For your reference and guidance, here are some frequently asked questions about the Blacklist Order (BLO) lifting in the Philippines:
You can verify your blacklist status by filing a formal blacklist verification request with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI). If you are not blacklisted, you will be issued a No Derogatory certificate. Otherwise, you’ll need to request a copy of the Blacklist Order.
Blacklist orders are generally permanent until lifted.
Yes, there is typically a waiting period before a blacklist order can be lifted. The duration depends on the reason for the blacklist and the specific case requirements.
You do not need to be in the Philippines to file a petition. You can do it through an authorized representative or legal counsel in the Philippines. You will need to provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that is notarized and apostilled in your current country of residence.
Yes, a sex offender can still lift the blacklist order by filing formal requests with both the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Secretary of Justice. Supporting documents typically include proof of case finality, completed probation or conditions, and removal from the sex offender registry. Such documents must be certified and apostilled.
If the Board of Commissioners denies the petition, you can file a Motion for Reconsideration within 15 days. If that is also denied, the next step is an appeal to the Secretary of Justice.
No. Lifting the blacklist only removes the barrier to entry. You must still apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., 9(a) Tourist Visa or 13(a) Spouse Visa) at a Philippine consulate before traveling.
