DFA working to address passport backlogs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is implementing measures to address the backlog in passport applications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said yesterday.

DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay explained during a Laging Handa briefing that they can accommodate only a smaller number of passport applications because of the physical restrictions imposed by authorities.

“Because of the pandemic, we cannot allow more people and process more applications in our buildings,” he said in Filipino.

Last year, the DFA was only able to process 1.7 million passport applications, down from four million in 2019.

According to Dulay, they have implemented various programs to increase the number of applications that they can process, including opening more temporary off-site passport service facilities.

Although still far from pre-pandemic numbers, he said the agency was able to process 1.7 million passports as of August this year.

“What we are trying to do now is to open 10 additional temporary off-site facilities to expand the passport application services,” he said. “This month, we will open about four or five of these sites.”

He added that the DFA would also open additional appointment slots for the remaining months of the year.

While applicants encounter difficulties in securing appointment slots, the DFA official said the turnaround time for the processing of applications was not affected and that only around four percent of the applications experienced delays, which is often attributed to the correction of errors in personal details provided.

In a separate statement, the DFA reiterated its commitment to address problems encountered by passport applicants, including those who paid courier fees but were asked to personally pick up their passports.

The agency said these were applicants who had incomplete or undeliverable addresses, or were not available when the passport was delivered to their homes.

“All clients are asked to check their passport status on the DFA online tracker prior to coming to or contacting the DFA,” said the agency. “We are working hard to address the more difficult situation of those with errors on their applications.”