On January 28, 2022, the Honorable Teodoro Locsin Jr., the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, together with other distinguished diplomatic leaders, led the inauguration of the newest ePassport renewal center in Singapore.
In August 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs and VFS Global signed a contract to extend the ePassport renewal services of Filipinos living in other countries, including Singapore.
New PH ePassport Renewal Center Launched in SG
The launch of the ePassport renewal center in Singapore by the Department of Foreign Affairs marked the first time that the agency outsourced its ePassport processing. This was followed by the establishment of centers in the APAC region, Asiaone reported.
Following the successful operation in Dubai, VFS Global expanded its operations to other cities in the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by centers in other countries such as the UK, US, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait amid a pandemic.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Teodoro Locsin Jr. lauded the launch of the ePassport renewal center, saying: “The establishment of ePassport Renewal Centers in various parts of the world is an attestation of the President’s commitment to ensuring that government services are accessible and convenient to every Filipino. Singapore is certainly a priority for this service, as over 200,000 Filipinos in Singapore will benefit from having the option to renew their passport in another location aside from the Philippine Embassy.”
Mr. Jiten Vyas, Regional Group COO, VFS Global, added “We would like to thank the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines for its continued faith in us. Our passport and consular services have been growing from strength to strength, and we look forward to bringing those best-in-class services to Filipino nationals here in Singapore with this new Centre.”
The Philippine ePassport Renewal Center offers the following advantages:
- Improved passport services for Filipinos living in other countries
- Less congestion at consulates and embassies, as well as improved convenience for customers submitting applications through VFS Global
- Strictly verified procedures to assure biometric data gathering correctness
- Flexible ‘prime time’ services for submissions outside of typical office hours at chosen locations
- Optional two-way courier services for secure passport delivery
- With the SMS service, you can trace your application.
- Assistance with completing out forms
Important Note:
As a safety concern, VFS Global has implemented strict measures to ensure the safety of its employees and customers.
Customers must wear a face mask or face covering when entering the building. A temperature reading will also be required on arrival.
Individuals who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever (higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius) and coughing, will not be allowed to complete their applications.
Customers can visit their website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/sgp/en/phl or email them at info.philippinesg@vfshelpline.com for more details.
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