MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday announced it has allotted 1,000 passport application slots to first-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, first-time OFWs can avail of the slots through portals accessed by at least 170 Licensed Recruitment Agencies (LRAs) accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and those registered with the DFA.
It can be recalled that the courtesy lane facilities were restricted to existing OFWs or “balik manggagawa” only.
“For the past several years, ‘di pinapayagan ang first-time (OFWs) na mag-courtesy lane (In the past several years, first-time OFWs were not allowed to use the courtesy lane),” Cayetano said.
“Parating may debate sa counter kung nasaan ang contract. (There were always debates at the counter on where the contract is).”
With the portal launch, DFA sees a faster, easier, and safer passport application for first-time OFWs.
For the 170 LRA, a total of 1,000 slots per day will be allotted for first-time OFWs, wherein each LRA will get a maximum of six slots per day.
Except for DFA-Aseana, which is expected to process a total of 200 applicants per day, each identified consular office will have a load of 60 first-time OFWs per day.
Cayetano said securing a slot through the portal is free of charge but regular passport fees are still maintained at regular prices.
“Kahit anong araw, puwede siya (It can be accessed any day). Longer hours? We’re studying it now, (we) hope for eight, 12 or 16 hours with two shifts,” he added.
During the launch, Cayetano said some OFWs securing the slots through the portal were able to get an appointment within two days.
Appointment schedules are presently available for the general public that take up to three months from the online application date. (/PNA)
