Filipinos to get free passport extension

Delays in issuing new documents has led to offer

ABU DHABI // Because of problems in issuing new passports, Filipinos can now apply for an extension to their existing ones.

The Philippines department of foreign affairs issued a notification saying that Filipinos living abroad can apply for a free one-year or two-year extension to their passport.

Technical difficulties in printing in Manila led to lengthy delays for those wanting to renew their passports.

“Extensions shall be processed and released within the same day,” the department said.

“Passport extensions for all shall be available only until the end of this year.” The Philippines ambassador to the UAE, Grace Relucio Princesa, said that the regular process of validating the passport extension would usually take one to two days. If someone needed an extension that day they would have to pay a fee.

Filipino expatriates welcomed the decision, saying it would help many who are concerned about the passport delays.

“We haven’t heard anything from our mission but if the news is true then it is great,” said Reynaldo Jvier, 50, an engineer who works in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Jvier said his passport is about to expire and after hearing stories about the delays, he was very concerned about how to obtain the new one in time.

“Validity extension for up to two years and for free is something unbelievable,” he said. “However, I am not sure about how we need to apply for it.

“If it will remain the same tiring and lengthy process then it will be of no use. We need simple and hassle-free procedure for passport extension and issuance.” According to media in the Philippines, about 42,230 Filipinos overseas workers from across the globe were affected by the delays. Processing was supposed to take six to eight weeks but some had been waiting for more than three months for their new passports.