Good News for OFWs concerning Passport application and renewal process..

For any travelling Filipino and most importantly to an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) like me, one of the most important documents that we should have is our passport. The sad thing is, whether some will agree or not; application process has become a disaster for anybody whether new application or renewal of their respective passport. In my case, I’m lucky enough that I didn’t suffer waiting and falling in a very Looonnnnggggggg line. It happened that I’m working in a government office during the time I applied for my existing passport. Actually, it’s intentional because I really would like to avail of this special lane intended for government employees (in 2nd floor of the DFA building). Recently, processing of passport becomes even worst as based on what I have learned from other colleagues and fellow OFWs most specially those who are applying in the DFA Main office.

At present, the implemented system for the passport processing is that, by the first time you fall in line they will not process your application right away. Instead, they will give you an appointment slip with a corresponding date for you to return for the formal application. During only this assigned date, that they will accept your application and starts the processing. Worst thing to happen if you’re not available on this date or failed to report, you have no choice but to fall in line again to receive a new appointment date. This means additional money to spend for the transportation and another time/day to insert in your schedule. The expense for additional transportation can be omitted if you have made an appointment through their website. But, not all can have access to internet to schedule an appointment online.

Now, here’s the good news. About a week ago, while updating my profile in "workabroad.ph"; I saw an article which caught my attention. This article is such a good news for all upcoming and current OFWs. The article says that “OFWs are exempted from the rule of setting an appointment for passport application and renewal”

The exact article is attached below:

The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) has some good news for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). First, OFWs are exempted from the rule of setting an appointment for passport application and renewal. This is applicable for those who urgently need a passport and can present documents that show there are jobs waiting for them in their countries of destination.

A statement from the DFA-OCA said, “Returning OFWs and those that are due for overseas deployment can have their passports processed immediately provided that they present documents that show there are jobs waiting for them in their countries of destination. Similarly, employment agencies with passport applicants are given special slots for immediate processing and expedited issuance of passports.”

The second good news is the reopening of the DFA satellite office at the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) in Ortigas last June 22. This satellite office will exclusively cater to the needs of OFWs.

The DFA has also increased the number of passport appointments to assure faster passport processing and to serve more applicants.

According to the DFA, “Special passport processing is held every other Saturday, with the view of expanding this service every weekend to accommodate more people with urgent travels. This system will free up more slots on weekdays which is seen to significantly cut down the waiting time for an appointment.”

“To accommodate passport applicants in the provinces, the 19 DFA Regional Consular Offices (RCOs) that are strategically located all over the country are likewise ready to accept more passport applications,” it added.

Aside from OFWs, ordinary travelers who urgently needs passport are given emergency passports. They do not have to go to an appointment system and their passports are immediately processed. According to DFA-OCA chief Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda, these are appoved by the Passport Director's Office, with telefax number 836-7759.

Another good news is the announcement from DFA that their office will now be available to serve the public even on a Saturday starting this month.

“Source: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item.php?articleid=1365”