Presidential Proclamation No. 181

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah informs the Filipino community in the Western Region of the Kingdom that President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed Presidential Proclamation No 181 declaring the years 2011 to 2016 as the Pinoy Homecoming Years.

The Proclamation reinforces Republic Act No. 6768, as amended, entitled “An Act Instituting a Balikbayan Program,” which aims to maximize tourism revenues and encourage overseas Filipinos to come and visit their motherland. It also recognizes the contribution of overseas Filipinos to the economy of the country through the significant foreign exchange inflow that they generate.

It may be recalled that the Balikbayan and his family Program, grants the overseas Filipinos entitlement to the following:

(a)   Tax-free maximum purchase in the amount of One thousand United States dollars (US$1,000.00) or its equivalent in other acceptable foreign currencies at Philippine duty-free shops;

(b)     Special promotional/incentive program coverage in the national flag air  carrier;

(c)    For foreign passport holders (with the exception of restricted nationals), visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year;

(d)   Travel tax exemption as provided under Presidential Decree No. 1183, Executive Order No. 283, and other allied laws; and

(e)   Especially designated reception areas at the authorized ports of     entry for the expeditious processing of documents.