Deadline to get new Philippine passport looms
Staff Report
DUBAI - Filipinos wishing to extend the validity of their machine-readable passports will no longer be allowed to do so after October 31, 2014 and will have to apply for the new e-passport.
These passports will be completely phased out by November 24, 2015. The new rule was issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and reiterated by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in a notice issued recently.
Filipinos must apply for a new e-passport before the expiry of their current passports or risk difficulties at immigration counters.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi also reminded passport holders regarding rules for applying for an extension of the validity of expiring or expired passports. Passports that are valid for less than six months or those that have already expired may be extended once in the following circumstances:
Death in the family requiring the Overseas Filpino Worker (OFW) or a member of his or her family to urgently travel to the Philippines
Medical emergencies requiring the OFW or members of his or her family to urgently travel to the Philippines for treatment
OFWs returning to their employers abroad with valid employment contracts processed by the POEA
Those going home on final exit visas (for Filipinos in the Middle East)
In these instances, proof of urgency such as a copy of the death certificate, medical certificate, valid employment contracts and plane tickets with confirmed flight details should be presented.
For more information, check www.philembassy.ae or email auhpe@philembassy.ae
