"The Department of Foreign Affairs has discontinued the extension of Machine-Readable Ready Passports (MRRPs) gratis (free of charge) as the delivery of electronic passports (e-Passports) has normalized," the statement issued by Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago on Sunday said.

"However, applications for extension of passport's validity may be given due course only when the applicants simultaneously file their applications for e-Passports," the statement said.

The Embassy reminds OFWs to ensure the validity of their passports and to apply for passport renewal at least six months before their passports expire.

Appointments for passport renewal may be done through text by sending an SMS to 0560503895, or via the of the Philippine Embassy by clicking on the blue "Book an appointment" button on the upper right of the homepage.

The original passport, photocopy of data pages, accomplished application and a fee of SR240 are required to have passports renewed.