Nearly 400 Filipino expatriates renewed their passports when the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates opened its doors to the public on a weekend. 

The Special Consular Service that Dubai PCG conducted on Friday, 28 April 2017 focused on processing the passport applications of those who had prior online appointment for the months of May and June 2017.  It aimed to free up the Consulate's appointment system to allow Filipino expatriates in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to book for the renewal of their passports at an earlier date.  The Special Consular Services resulted to around 400 free appointment slots in May and June. 

The entire space of the Consulate was used to accommodate the high volume of applicants who pre-registered to avail of the passport renewal service.   The Consulate's courtesy lane processed the passport applications of pregnant women, new-born babies and children below 10 years old, senior citizens, and persons with disability (PWD).

The Consulate General conducts monthly consular missions in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, where many Filipinos reside, to provide complete consular services to Filipino expatriates in these areas, including passport renewals.  The monthly consular missions aim not only to assist Filipinos who live more than 100 kilometers away from Dubai, but also to lessen the number of those who book online, making the waiting time for appointments longer. 

The Consul General seeks the Filipino community's assistance in addressing the long waiting period for passport renewal appointments. He enjoins applicants to appear personally on their scheduled date and time for passport processing and data capturing.  He urges those who cannot come in on their appointment to inform the Consulate, through email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., five (5) days before their schedule.  This would allow the Consulate to cancel the appointment and open the slot for others. 

Moreover, the Consul General requests Filipino expatriates in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to book their appointment at least 10 months before the expiration of their passports to provide ample time for the arrival of new passports.  END