JEDDAH, 6 February 2008 — The Philippine Embassy yesterday suspended the issuance of new passports, citing a shortage of supply.
Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor said the embassy had requested the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to ship as soon as possible new passports.
He said the remaining 130 new passport booklets quickly ran out before noon on Monday. “The embassy reiterates its advice for those whose need for passport renewal is not urgent to wait until further notice,” said Villamor in an advisory.
“Those who cannot wait can opt to apply for a travel document in lieu of a passport,” he said.
The embassy’s consular section said it has been closely coordinating with the concerned office at home office in Manila to work out the possible shipment of new passports urgently.
The consulate general in Jeddah has issued a similar advisory.
Applicants are advised to contact the embassy at tel. nos. 482-0507; 482-3559 and 4823816 or at its e-mail address:[email protected] for updates.
Last year, the embassy announced that regular supply of green booklets was being discontinued in view of the expected introduction of electronic upgrade to the Philippine passport, which is already being implemented in Manila,” it added.
