THE Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS Global have signed a contract to provide passport renewal services, making it the first time the department has outsourced its passport renewal process.
Brigido Dulay, undersecretary consular & civilian security concerns and Chris Dix, head of business development, VFS Global signed the contract witnessed by Hon. Teodoro L. Locsin, secretary of foreign affairs, Republic of the Philippines and Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO, South Asia, Americas, Middle East & North Africa, VFS Global and inaugurated the first such passport renewal centre in Dubai, UAE, in a formal ceremony.
Prior to this, Philippine residents in the UAE had to visit the Philippines Consulate in Dubai or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi for passport renewal. With the opening of the new ePassport Renewal Centre, customers will have an additional avenue to complete the process.
Under the contract signed, the rollout of the Dubai centre will be followed by similar centres in Abu Dhabi and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020. Outsourcing the process to VFS Global gives the government a trusted partner, with established infrastructure and expertise in the field.
The new ePassport Renewal Centre means reduced crowding at Consulates/Embassies and greater convenience for the customer submitting their application with VFS Global. Flexible prime time services offers applicants the convenience of extended office hours.
