Pinoy expats can now renew their passport with ease through the establishment of the Philippine ePassport Renewal Center(PaRC) located at WAFI Mall Dubai, UAE. The facility is currently operated by VFS Global under the supervision of Dubai PCG. It is currently operating seven days a week(except UAE holidays) from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

PaRC offers walk-in ePassport renewal application for an additional AED 91.75 convenience fee on top of the regular passport renewal of AED 240. For those who don't have time to book for an appointment, PaRC is the right place for you.

Please take note that PaRC do not process below complex passport applications/renewals:

• New passports (Babies, children, those applying for passports for the first time, etc)
• Lost passports
• Filipinos requiring changes for their passport (from maiden name to married name, spelling errors, etc.)

If passport application/renewal requires any of the above services,  kindly proceed to PCG Dubai and go through the normal process of passport renewal by booking an appointment.

Related Article: How to Renew Philippine Passport in PCG Dubai

Steps to follow in Renewing your passport in PaRC

1. Fill out the Online Application Form. Fill out online application form found in PCG Dubai website. Print completed application form and affixed your signature.



2. Visit Philippine ePassport Renewal Center(PaRC). Upon arrival in PaRC, get a queue number and present your requirements when once you are called.

Requirements for Adults:

• Accomplished online application form with affixed signature.
• Current/Original Passport.
• 2 Photocopies of Current Passport Data Page.
• 2 Photocopies of Residence Visa Page or Visit Visa.

3. Pay Applicable Fees. PaRC Passport renewal will cost AED 331.75 inclusive of all applicable taxes(ePassport Renewal Fee AED 240 plus AED 91.75 convenience fee). You may opt to pay additional AED 8 for Passport Status SMS Alert(optional service). Keep transaction receipt for claiming your passport.

4. Passport  Data Encoding and Biometrics. PaRC processors will enter passport data and capture your photo, fingerprints  and digital signature. Make sure details encoded are correct and accurate to avoid inconvenience. Any error will render your passport's invalidity and you will shoulder the cost to correct such error.

Important Reminders: Removed eyeglasses, contact lenses, jewelry (earring, necklace), heavy make-up before photo capturing.  Applicants having sore eyes are advised to come for e-passport renewal when their eye condition improves.

5. Passport Collection. You will received SMS or email notification regarding the availability of your passport. In case your didn't received notification,  you may check its status on the Dubai PCG's website. Proceed to PaRC and claim your passport once available. Please take note that passports unclaimed within 6 months from date of issuance will be cancelled. Don't forget to bring the following requirements:

Applicants who can personally pickup their passport should present the following:

• Original passport
• Transaction Receipt

For Authorized representative claiming on behalf of the applicant:

• Original passport of the applicant
• Transaction Receipt
• Original Authorization Letter(sample)
• Photocopy of authorized representative’s passport with signature

PaRC Location Map




References

Philippine Consulate General, Dubai UAE., "Epassport Renewal Center"

VFS Global., "Renew your Philippine ePassport"

Filipino Times., "Steps to renew your Philippine Passport without appointment at VFS in Dubai"

It is important to keep track of your passport's validity to avoid travel inconvenience. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

Those who don't have time to book for an appointment may opt to renew their passport  at Passport Renewal Center(PaRC) located at VFS Wafi Mall, Oud Metha for an additional AED 92 convenience fee. If you want to go to the regular process of passport renewal via Dubai PCG, read and follow steps below.


Securing an Appointment

1. Secure an appointment via PCG Dubai ePassport Appointment System.  Register in the epassport portal appointment. Make sure to provide valid email address to received booking confirmation.



After registration, log-in to your account and select desired appointment date and time.


Note: The following are exempted from securing online appointment-household service worker (sponsored by individual), seafarer, senior citizen, PWD (with medical certificate), pregnant women (with medical certificate), children 12 years and below, those who will apply for replacement of lost passport. These individuals may go to the Consulate’s Courtesy Lane.

2. Print confirmation email with the QR Code. Once you have set your appointment, you will received a confirmation email with a QR code. Print part of the email  that contains the QR code and make sure you have it on the date of your appointment.



Passport Renewal Requirements

After successfully getting your appointment, prepare necessary requirements ahead of time and make sure you have it at hand on the date and time of your appointment in order to facilitate quick and smooth renewal process.

General requirements are as follows:

• Printed Confirmed Online Appointment, with QR CODE
• Personal appearance of applicant
• Original passport
• Accomplished E-passport application form(Form No. 2-Renewal Regular Passport Application  for Adult or Form No. 3-Regular Passport Application for Minor)
• Accomplished OVF 1 form (with Updating of Photograph and Signature)
• 2 Photocopies of Passport Data and visa page

Additional supporting documents that may be required as necessary depending on the type of application:

Married women who would like to use their married surname:

• PSA-issued Marriage Contract (MC).  Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable. 
• PSA-issued Report of Marriage if married abroad
• Additional supporting documents that may be required as necessary. 

For spouse of foreign national who would like to use their married surname:

• PSA-issued Marriage Contract (MC).  Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable. .
• PSA-issued Report of Marriage if married abroad
• Additional supporting documents that may be required as necessary. 

For married women who would like to revert to their maiden name:

• PSA-issued Birth certificate to determine complete middle name.  Transcribed birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) is required when entries in PSA birth certificate are blurred or unreadable.
• PSA-issued Report of Birth if born abroad
• If already widowed:  PSA-issued Death Certificate of the deceased husband
• If marriage is annulled:  PSA-issued annotated  Marriage Contract and DFA-apostilled Court Order affecting annulment.
• If divorced:  PSA-issued annotated Marriage Contract, Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Divorce Decree duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce was obtained or by the concerned diplomatic or consular mission in the Philippines.  Original and CTC of Philippine Court recognition of foreign decree must also be presented and the PSA Marriage Contract with annotation of the Divorce Decree.
• Additional supporting documents that may be required as necessary. 

On the Date and Time of Your Appointment

You have to arrived 10 minutes before your schedule. Each applicant is accommodated per hour block time (example: all 8-9AM, 9-10AM, and so on) and will only be entertained based on their appointment.

Here are the few steps you need follow upon reaching the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai:

1. Proceed directly to the Passport Processing Cabin. No queuing number required.

2. Drop your original passport into the designated box indicating the time of your appointment, and wait for your name to be called in by the processor.

3. The processor will call your name and evaluate all your requirements. Once cleared, proceed to the cashier to pay the corresponding fee.

Fees applicable are as follows:

• New e-passport / Renewal AED 240 
• Lost e-passport AED 600
• Lost MRP / Green Passport AED 360
• Travel Document AED 120
• Extension AED 80
• Affidavit of Loss AED 100

4. Proceed to the passport encoding area for the processing of your photo, biometrics and passport data. Make sure details encoded are correct and accurate to avoid inconvenience. Any error will render your passport's invalidity and you will shoulder the cost to correct such error.

After going through all the process, you'll have wait around 4-8 weeks before your passport becomes available and ready for collection. Keep your transaction receipt, you'll need it in claiming your passport.

Release of Passport

Regularly check availability of your passport on the Dubai PCG's website. You can check the latest update on the website every Tuesday or Wednesday. Once your name is listed, you may visit  Consulate General and claim your passport from 8:00am to 12:00nn and 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Sunday to Thursday (except legal holidays). Please take note that all unclaimed passport within six(6) months from date on issuance will be cancelled.

Below are simple step to follow in claiming your passport:

1. Proceed to the Dubai PCG Releasing Section drop your requirements in the designated box.

Requirement for applicants who can personally pickup their passport are as follows:

• Original passport
• Transaction Receipt

• Original passport of the applicant
• Transaction Receipt
• Original Authorization Letter(sample)
• Photocopy of authorized representative’s passport with signature

RTA imposes fines and penalties to ensure proper use of Dubai Metro services and facilities. Fines and penalties are very costly so it is wise to know the rules and regulations while riding the metro. Here are the list of violations that you should avoid.

 About Dubai RTA., "Metro Fines"

UAE Employees(except for freezone and government employees) can now get a copy of their labor card and contract online using a mobile app. How? Follow steps below:

Step 1: Install MOHRE Mobile App 

Download and install MOHRE App in your mobile. The app is available in Google Play and App Store.

Step 2a: Open the installed MOHRE app and create employee account(see Figure 1a and 1b). Please take note that this online facility is not applicable for freezone and government employees.    

Step 2b: Complete your registration by filling the form shown below(see Figures 2a-2f). You will need your passport number to proceed. Please provide a valid email address and mobile number in order to verify your account.   

Step 2c: Check your email to verify and activate the account(see Figure 3a-3b).   

Open MOHRE app and sign in to your account(see Figure 4a-4d). Don't forget to enable fingerprint security feature to prevent unauthorized access of your employment details.     

Open MOHRE app and click My Dashboard and swipe down(see Figure 5a-5d) 

You can also use the app for the following services(see Figure 6a-6b):

Article 75 states that an employee shall be given a minimum of two (2) days paid leave every month for period of service of at least six (6) months and a year at most, and thirty (30) days of each year for a period of service exceeding one year.

In Article 76, the employer has given the right determine the start of annual leave and may divide it if necessary to two or more periods. Official holidays specified by law or by agreement, or leave due to sickness shall be deemed part of the annual leave if it falls within the same period as stated in Article 77.  

Providing air ticket to employees is not mandatory and is purely contractual in nature. Meaning, you are not entitled to an air ticket allowance unless agreed upon in the labor contract. 

Though most of the companies in the UAE are giving full salary during annual leave, the labour law (as provided in Article 78) only requires basic salary and housing allowance. If labor contract explicitly states that annual leave salary should include all the regular allowances granted by the employer then the employee is eligible for the full salary.

Moreover, leave salary should be given in addition to  the entire wage due prior to annual leave in accordance with Article 80.

In circumstance where the employee is required to work during his annual leave and the days of work are not carried forward, the employer must pay basic salary for the days of work in addition to leave allowance. 

 UAE Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation.,"Laws and Regulations",

 The United Arab Emirates' Government Portal., "Annual Leave",

 Gulfnews(July 12, 2016)., "UAE Labour Law: 7 things to know about your annual leave"

Trench & Associates., "Annual Leave"

With reference to Article 132 of UAE Labour Law, an employee having spent on year or more in continuous service shall be entitled to an end of service gratuity upon termination of his service consisting of 21 days’ salary for each of the first five (5) years of service and additional 30 days’ salary for each additional year in excess of five years provided the aggregate amount shall not exceed 2 years’ remuneration.  The period of service shall be calculated excluding days of absence without pay. 

End of service gratuity is calculated based on latest wage excluding housing, transportation, travel, overtime, representation and any other bonuses or allowances as defined in Article 134.

The calculation of the periods and dates referred in the law  shall be made according to Gregorian calendar as stated in Article 8. A calendar year shall be deemed as 365 days and the months as 30 days unless stipulated in the employment contract. 

In case of resignation, employees bound by an unlimited contract shall be entitled to one third (1/3) of the end of service gratuity set forth in Article 132 for a continuous service of at least one year and three years at most, two thirds (2/3) for three years at last and five years at most, and to the full gratuity for service exceeding five years as provided in Article 137.    

Reading further in Article 138, employees under a limited contract shall not be entitled to an end of service gratuity unless service rendered exceeds five years in case of resignation prior to expiry of the contract.

Assumptions: Employee currently earning a gross salary of 10,000/-(Basic Salary -5000, HRA 2000 and Transportation allowance 2,000).

Scenario no. 1: The employee under an unlimited contract resigned after 3 years of service. 

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 3 x 1/3) = 3,500

Scenario no. 2: The employee under an unlimited contract resigned after 4 years of service. 

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 4 x 2/3) = 9,333

Scenario no. 3: The employee under an unlimited contract was terminated after 4 years of service.

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 4) = 14,000

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 5) +(5,000 x 1) = 22,500

Scenario no. 5: The employee under an unlimited contract was terminated after 7 years of service.

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 5) +(5,000 x 2) = 27,500

Scenario no. 7: The employee under limited contract was terminated after 3 years of service prior to expiry of the contract.

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 3) = 10,500

Scenario no. 8: The employee under limited contract resigned after 3 years of service prior to expiry of the contract.

The computation would be: not entitled to gratuity

Scenario no. 9: The employee under limited contract resigned after 6 years of service prior to expiry of the contract.

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 5) +(5,000 x 1) = 22,500

Scenario no. 10: The employee under  an unlimited contract resigned after 27 years of service.

The computation would be: (5,000 x 21/30 x 5) +(5,000 x 22) = 127,500, but the employee is only entitle to a maximum of 2 years' remuneration that is equivalent to 120,000(5,000 x 24).

UAE Labour law applies to all employees working in the UAE, whether UAE nationals or expatriates, except below categories enumerated in Article 3:  

1. Employees and workers of the Federal Government and the governmental departments in the Emirates , members of the State , the employees and workers in public entities and institutions , whether Federal or local , and employees and workers appointed for governmental , Federal and local projects . 

2. Members of armed forces , police and security .

3. Domestic servants in private households and similar occupations .

4. Workers in farms or pastures with the exception of persons working in agricultural institutions processing the products thereof or the persons permanently operating or repairing mechanical machines required for agriculture. 

Furthermore, those working in free zones are not generally covered by this law since they are bound to their respective free zone authority's rules and regulations. However, free zone employment contract must adhere to the provisions laid out in the UAE Labour Law.

 UAE Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation.,"Laws and Regulations",

 The United Arab Emirates' Government Portal., "Working in Free Zone",

 Emirates 24/7(July 12, 2016)., "Know The Law: Are you exempt from provisions of UAE Labour Law?"

 Ahmed Law Firm., "Labor & Employment Law",