Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Filipinos in the UAE seeking to renew or apply for a Philippine passport must now visit the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, following the end of the outsourced passport renewal service previously offered through VFS Global. The Philippine diplomatic missions announced that the VFS Philippine ePassport Renewal Centres at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi and Wafi Mall Dubai discontinued their passport renewal service on Tuesday (June 30). Starting Wednesday (July 1), all Philippine passport applications and renewals in the UAE are once again being processed exclusively by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. The Philippine Embassy and Consulate did not provide a reason for the discontinuation of the outsourced passport renewal service. They also advised applicants that passports processed through the VFS Philippine ePassport Renewal Centres on or before June 30, including those that remain unclaimed, may still be collected from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai beginning July 1. "All passports processed by VFS PaRC Abu Dhabi and Dubai on or before June 30, including those that remain unclaimed, may be collected from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai starting July 1." The Philippine missions also urged applicants whose renewed passports are ready for release to collect them as soon as possible. Passports left unclaimed for more than six months shall be cancelled. The first VFS Philippine ePassport Renewal Centre was inaugurated at Wafi Mall in Dubai on November 21, 2019, marking the first time the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) outsourced its passport renewal service overseas. A second renewal centre opened at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi on June 12, 2020, coinciding with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day. Before the VFS passport renewal centres were introduced, Filipinos in the UAE had to personally visit either the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai for passport services. With the discontinuation of the outsourced service, passport processing has reverted to that previous arrangement. VFS Global continues to operate in the UAE, providing visa and consular support services for numerous governments. The change applies only to its outsourced Philippine passport renewal service. Filipinos who need assistance may contact the Philippine missions through the following channels: Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi • Hotline: +971 50 813 7836 • Email: abudhabipe.passport@dfa.gov.ph Philippine Consulate General in Dubai • Telephone: +971 4 220 7800 • Email: passport.releasing@pcgdubai.ae

How to renew or apply for Philippine passport in UAE

1. Book an online appointment Applicants must first secure an appointment through the DFA Passport Appointment System before visiting the Embassy or Consulate. Filipinos based in Dubai and northern emirates should secure an appointment with the consulate, while Filipinos based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain must secure an appointment with the embassy. Complete the online application form and confirm the appointment through the verification link sent to your registered email address. 2. Print your application Print the application form with its barcode and prepare all documentary requirements before your appointment. 3. Attend your appointment On your scheduled date: • Present your confirmed appointment at the information counter. • Obtain a queue number. • Proceed to the passport processing area. 4. Submit your documents Applicants must submit: • Current Philippine passport • Printed application form • Other required supporting documents, if applicable A consular officer will evaluate the application before endorsing it for payment. 5. Pay the passport fee The embassy and consulate currently accept cash payments only. Passport fees include: • Passport application/renewal: Dh240 • Lost ePassport: Dh600 • Lost machine-readable passport: Dh360 • Affidavit: Dh100 • Passport extension: Dh100 • Expedited extension: Dh140 • Travel document: Dh120 • Expedited travel document: Dh160 6. Biometrics and photo capture Applicants will then proceed for: • Photograph • Fingerprints • Signature capture Applicants are advised to carefully verify all personal details before completing the process. 7. Wait for passport release Applicants can check passport availability through the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General in Dubai's website. No appointment is required to collect a completed passport. 8. Claim your passport Applicants should bring: • Old passport • Official receipt If someone else will collect the passport: Immediate family member • Original authorization letter • Valid ID of representative • Old passport • Official receipt Authorized representative • Special Power of Attorney • Valid ID • Old passport • Official receipt Processing times vary depending on passport production and delivery from the Philippines. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page