MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) has reiterated its warning against unscrupulous and enterprising individuals who charge exorbitant fees in exchange for a passport appointment.
It also warns the public against those who mislead passport applicants by telling them that they need to bring passport photos.
In a news release, the DFA-OCA clarifies that getting a passport appointment for passport processing is free and may be done through calling 737-1000 or logging on at the e-passport website.
“There is also no need to bring passport photos, as applicant’s photos and their biometric information (thumbprints and signature) will be taken at the ePassport enrollment center,” it said.
The DFA-OCA said it does not authorize any of its personnel to offer passport-related services to the public inside or outside its premises, particularly on securing appointments.
“The public is also advised not to deal or transact any business with people or even offices near the DFA offering passport-related services, such as charging exorbitant fees for passport photographs,” it said.
It advised the public that for any inquiries, urgent concerns or requests may be directed to any of the DFA-OCA Public Assistance personnel.
“In cases of emergency or urgency to travel, the DFA-OCA even waives the appointment requirement so as to facilitate the processing of passport applications,” it said.
This applies to such cases like overseas Filipino workers who already have job contracts, persons who need urgent medical attention abroad, and students and professionals who need to attend seminars and/or fellowship, among others, as long as the passport applicant can show supporting documents that he or she needs to travel overseas as soon as possible.
“They may immediately visit the Office of the Passport Director in DFA-OCA in Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City for proper evaluation of their requests,” it said.
The DFA-OCA also asked the public to report any suspicious or anomalous offers regarding passports to the Office of the Passport Director at 836-7759 to 60 or 834-2411.
Inquirer.net
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