DFA closes consular services in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said consular services in Luzon will be temporarily suspended starting Tuesday following the declaration of an enhanced community quarantine over the entire island.

In an advisory, the DFA said the temporary suspension of operations covers the Office of Consular Affairs in Aseana, Parañaque City and all consular offices in Luzon.

The DFA advised passport applicants with confirmed appointments and those seeking Authentication and Civil Registration services will be accommodated once operations resume.

Consular services in Visayas, Mindanao

Meanwhile, the DFA said its consular offices in Visayas and Mindanao “will be operating with skeletal workforces and will provide services only to individuals with urgent consular needs, such as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and those with medical emergencies from Tuesday until further notice.

“This temporary arrangement is in support of the declarations of various local community quarantines and the current nationwide public health efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19,” the DFA.

There would also be no consular operations on Saturday in Visayas and Mindanao until further notice.

The DFA said passport applicants with confirmed appointments from March 9, 2020 to April 8 2020, including those with confirmed appointments on Saturdays, who will be unable to proceed with their appointment as scheduled will be accommodated from April 13 until May 29, 2020, during regular office hours, except on Saturdays.

“Likewise, those seeking Authentication and Civil Registration services are also advised to avail of these services during the same period,” the DFA said.

“Furthermore, passport applicants are advised that passport deliveries may be disrupted or delayed and they should prepare contingencies for their travel plans,” it added.

Applicants with questions or emergencies may contact the Consular Office where their appointment was scheduled.

The public can also email [email protected] or call 8651 9400 for questions or inquiries.

Edited by MUF