JEDDAH, 24 May 2005 — The spouses of Filipinos working abroad will now have to undergo guidance and counseling as prerequisite for the issuance of passports, according to the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah.
The policy also applies to the spouses of foreign nationals departing from the Philippines, said the consulate, citing a letter from the Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), an agency attached to the Office of the President.
As noted by the CFO, the policy took effect April 4, and the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW), a non-stock, pastoral and social service organization under the administration of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, is to conduct the counseling program.
Guidance and counseling sessions will be conducted in Manila and Cebu, at the following venues: Manila office, Good Shepherd Convent, 1043 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, telephone numbers 913-6439, fax number 913-6438 and e-mail address [email protected].
For Cebu, counseling will be done at the Good Shepherd Sisters, Banawa Cebu City, telephone number (032) 254-1631 or 253-4194, e-mail address [email protected].
Only participants who have satisfactorily completed the guidance and counseling requirements at SMEF-COW will be issued certificates, and after complying with the following requirements.
• Two valid identification cards with photographs.
• Duly completed guidance and counseling forms.
• If married, certified true copy and photocopy of married contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office (NSO), or the Local Civil Registrar Offices (LCRO), or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy (if married abroad).
• Other documents as may required by the counselors, and
• Payment of a 250-peso counseling fee.
After receipt of the passport and visa, the Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals will have to register with CFO prior to their departure.
