You're welcome, here's the latest ALO processing method for you.

I'm currently in the Philippines and I've heard quite a few people say they've been put on the ALO (Alert List Order), which basically freezes them completely, even making it difficult to return to their home country. I looked it up, and once the immigration bureau puts this in place, it's not easy to get it removed. So, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this or knows a reliable way to handle it.

What exactly is ALO?

Simply put, it's a sort of blacklist by the Philippine Immigration Bureau, but lighter than the Blacklist Order (BLO). It mainly targets individuals with pending cases or those who have been issued arrest warrants. Once you're on this list, you might be stopped when trying to leave the country, and your passport could even be confiscated. In severe cases, you might have to spend a lot of time dealing with the immigration authorities.

How do I know if I'm on the ALO?

The safest way is to check with the immigration bureau. It might also be helpful to ask a reliable agent. I've heard that some people get involved due to their company's background issues and are unknowingly added to the list, only to find out when they try to leave.

What to do if you're on the ALO?

Don't delay; handle it as soon as possible to avoid affecting your visa extension, downgrade, or even your return home.

Seek help from a lawyer or a familiar intermediary. If you go to the immigration bureau yourself, you might be stalled or given various excuses.

You need to submit a notarized letter to apply for the removal of the ALO, but this isn't instantly approved and might take some time.

If it's related to POGO, there might be additional scrutiny, especially if your previous company or visa sponsor was involved with a revoked POGO license, which complicates things further.

If you're really in a hurry to return home, you might consider applying for an Outbound Travel Order (OTL), but this is a bit of a gamble and not suitable for everyone. You might even end up on the Blacklist Order (BLO).

How to handle visa expiration + ALO?

Recently, many people have had their visas expire without realizing it, only to find out they're on the ALO and can't escape. If the visa has been expired for a short period (not more than 6 months), paying a fine and renewing it might still save you, but if it's been over 6 months or even longer, you'll likely have to go through a major process and might even be required to clear customs.

Brothers with a POGO background, take note!

The Philippine government is now keeping a close eye on many people related to POGO. Those who previously had work visas sponsored by POGO companies are now facing strict scrutiny during downgrades or renewals, and some are directly blacklisted. If you were previously under POGO's SWP or PWP, it's advisable to confirm your status sooner rather than later to avoid regrets.

Final advice

Regularly check your status with the immigration bureau; don't wait for trouble before taking action.

Seek assistance from reliable agents/lawyers; handling it yourself can be very troublesome, and language barriers can lead to further complications.

Don't think about delaying; the ALO won't just disappear on its own. The sooner you handle it, the better.

Has anyone experienced this? Share your experiences to help others avoid pitfalls!