DFA: Starting June 1, "No-Show" Passport Applicants to Face 30-Day Ban

When I renewed my passport about 2 years ago at the Department of Foreign Affairs South (Alabang), it only took me about 30-45 minutes to finish processing my passport renewal. It is quite fast since they already have an efficient system that makes the transactions fast and less complicated. But before you can go to the DFA office for your passport application or renewal, you have to schedule your visit for about 1-2 months in advance via the DFA's Passport Application Appointment System.

Waiting for your schedule for too long is quite a hassle, especially if you urgently need to renew or apply for a passport. Scheduling your appointment is free. All you have to do is to fill in the necessary information, choose your desired DFA office and the date of visit.

But the problem is, you have to wait for 1-2 months for your appointment date. Why?

According to GMA News Report, The DFA receives at least 15,000 passport applications daily. But statistics showed that 47 percent of the people who applied for appointment do not show up on the day of their schedule. So those who really need an earlier schedule cannot get an appointed because the schedules were already taken by others. Unfortunately, 47% of them don't show up and just waste the appointment which could have been taken by those who urgently need it.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said in the news report that "Starting June 1, those who will not show up on the date of their passport appointment will be barred from re-applying for 30 days. If you don’t show up you’re not going be able to reserve for 30 days. So please take your reservations seriously."


I hope with this new policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, it will lessen the "no shows" during their passport application appointment and the appointment slots will be given to those who urgently need it.

What do you think about his new DFA policy? Share your comments below.

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