The Philippine Embassy has announced that its website now features a database of passports ready for release.
“The new system launched yesterday replaces the old periodic lists posted on its website where Filipinos had to search in every list to find out if their passports have reached Riyadh from the home office in the Philippines,” Philippine Ambassador Ezzedine Tago told Arab News yesterday.
The Filipino envoy also said the Philippine mission had been working on the database, which was launched on the new website to further improve services to Filipinos.
“The new system makes it easier for those waiting for their new passports to find out if their passports are ready for release,” Tago said.
He added, meanwhile, that the embassy “reiterates its earlier advisory on Mach 12 that passports which remain unclaimed for six months and more from the date of issuance will be canceled in compliance with Department Order No. 37-03 dated September 23, 2003.”
Tago added Filipinos who have not claimed their passports issued during the past six months or more may call 01-482-3818 or send an email to [email protected].
He said those who need to renew passports are advised to obtain an appointment through the online system on the new website www.philembassy-riyadh.org.
The system only requires a valid email address to send confirmation of the appointment and Filipinos may choose the date and time of their appointment as available on the website.
Applicants should bring a printout of the confirmation, their original passport, a copy of the passport information page, an accomplished application form, and the passport fee of SR 240 for renewal.
The appointment system greatly reduces the waiting time at the embassy.
The Filipino envoy also said appointments through SMS are no longer available since June 2012 and the embassy will no longer extend the machine ready readable passport (green) in compliance with instructions.
As the process of obtaining an e-passport may take up to 30 days, Filipinos who need a passport should plan ahead and apply in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Philippine mission facilitates release of passports
