Passport application and delivery fees may now be paid through online transactions using a credit or debit card! This is a way to cope up with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs said as they continue to find ways to minimize people-to-people contact.
The DFA has collaborated with PayMaya Philippines Inc. as to create more payment options accessible to the public. Passport applicants who have been appointed for online transactions are now eligible for their applications to be paid online or debit card.
Read: Who Are Exempted From DFA’s Online Appointment for Passport Application?
The department noted that before the pandemic everything was different; passport applicants securing an online appointment may only choose to pay for their applications by the traditional over-the-counter payments. This method entails departing their houses, going to their nearest accredited Bayad Center where they could pay for their passport application.
Previously, passport applicants who secured an online appointment could only pay for their passport application through over-the-counter payments.”
The agency also said that the new system allows applicants to have their applications paid online or debit card; they can do it within the safety and security of their homes. Moreover, it is a faster way to process real-time payments.
This new system of paying through credit and debit cards offers faster and real-time payment without having to leave the safety of their own homes.”
Do you want to apply for a new passport or renew yours? Those who wish to apply for or renew their passports may still secure an appointment by visiting http://passport.gov.ph.
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Online Appointment for Passport Applications and Other Consular Transactions
In light of this announcement, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security Brigido Dulay advised the public earlier during the Laging Handa briefing that all consular transactions that include passport applications, authentication of documents, and civil registry will be processed only through online appointment.
Applicants for consular services, including those availing of the courtesy lane (senior citizens, OFWs, PWDs) for passport; will be asked to answer a form that is available on the DFA consular website and send the application through email.
Once the process has been done, a confirmation from the DFA will be sent to the applicant with the appropriate schedule for biometrics and photo capturing.
Read: PhlPost IDs, to be Accepted by the DFA For Passport Applications
This new system, the DFA undersecretary said, follows the protocols that the DOH set as to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Public to Have Their Documents Authenticated Through Courier Services
Previously, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs urged the public to have the documents that need to be authenticated sent through courier services instead. DFA-OCA made the announcement that the advisory is to stress upon the need of implementing necessary health measures as to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Furthermore, the agency claimed that this was to follow the physical distancing restrictions; and that the DFA is likewise implementing and in light of the “new normal.” Applicants only have to authorize the courier representative to apply for authentication on their behalf.
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The agency said that this has been the decision to not hassle applicants; to avoid personally process their documents at OCA-ASEANA or at selected Consular Offices.
In this way, applicants are no longer required to personally process their documents at OCA-ASEANA or at selected Consular Offices.”
They added that those who choose to avail of this process may coordinate with the courier service on their requirements, fees, and instructions. Other inquiries may also be coursed through [email protected].
More Than 36,000 Filipino Migrant Workers Assisted by the DFA
The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs said that the DFA helped more than 36,000 stranded Filipinos from around the globe; this was since the start of the pandemic more than three (3) months ago. Sarah Arriola of OUMW said they expect more than 40,000 Filipino workers, most of whom are seafarers, to be repatriated back to the Philippines but on a calibrated system to prevent overpopulation in designated quarantine centers.
Sarah Arriola said that there are a lot of OFWs at sea left but the process of their repatriation has to be made better.
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There are still a lot of sea-based workers, in the Americas alone there are 31,000 to 35,000. But we have to calibrate their repatriation.”
The agency official added that any Filipino, documented or not, will be accommodated in the government’s repatriation program. Currently, there are more than 22,000 sea-based workers than land-based workers which are at a number of 13,000.
What do you think of the repatriation? Moreover, are you happy that passport applications may now be paid online or debit card? Share us your thoughts.
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