DFA Aseana to allow passport courtesy lane walk-ins; no more slots for recruiters

INQUIRER.net STOCK IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines — Starting March 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will allow courtesy lane walk-in passport applicants, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), in its office at the Aseana Business Park in Parañaque City.

Applicants eligible to avail of the passport courtesy lane will be accommodated at the DFA’s Aseana office from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., provided that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Beginning 14 March 2022, the Courtesy Lane at DFA Aseana will accommodate qualified and fully vaccinated walk-in applicants from 1-5pm only,” the DFA said in a response to a query on Twitter on Wednesday.

Hi @RegieneGrace! Your mother may avail of the Courtesy Lane. Beginning 14 March 2022, the Courtesy Lane at DFA Aseana will accommodate qualified and fully vaccinated walk-in applicants from 1-5pm only. @teddyboylocsin https://t.co/sVQwVZhMpI

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) March 9, 2022

“Minor applicants will follow the vaccination status of their accompanying parents/guardians,” it also said in a separate advisory posted on its website.

As for OFWs, the DFA said they “have to be active” or should present a current and valid employment contract to apply or renew their passport via the courtesy lane.

No more slots for recruiters

The DFA will also no longer allocate appointment slots to recruiters in accordance with Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s orders.

“Some can’t handle the temptation. Starting March 14th, DFA Aseana will allow OFWs as walk-in if they have supporting documents,” DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Brigido Dulay said in a tweet.

SFA @teddyboylocsin just gave orders to stop allocating passport appointment slots to recruiters; some can’t handle the temptation. Starting March 14th, DFA Aseana will allow OFWs as walk-in if they have supporting documents. @dfaoca @DFAPHL pic.twitter.com/fflrQ64Sie

— Dodo Dulay (@dododulay) March 8, 2022

“We are blocking those fixers. Their days are numbered,” Locsin also said on Twitter.

If you qualify for Courtesy Lane, walk-ins will restart from March 14th. @DFAPHL @dfaoca please put out the details so people get clarity on eligibility and schedules. https://t.co/EhLc5HiieU

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) March 9, 2022

This was followed by multiple complaints on social media regarding the lack of available passport appointment slots on the DFA website and the proliferation of fixers.

RELATED STORIES

Demand for passports surges anew

DFA’s outsourcing of passport renewals questioned

KGA