Dubai: Nine working days was all it took for Blessing Martinez to get the newly designed Philippine e-passport booklet — a record-breaking time from the previous six-to-eight week time-frame.
The first batch of the highly secure Philippine e-passports arrived in Dubai on Sunday and released on Monday.
The e-passport recently got a major makeover to enhance its security features, making it practically impossible to be tampered with or duplicated. The improved security features include holographic images that can be seen from a certain angle, upgraded security features of the microchip, ethnic microprints, and security inks, among others.
Martinez, 29, a cabin crew, was the first to claim the new e-passport. She said she applied for renewal on August 8. Her passport was delivered on August 21, a holiday in the Philippines, giving her a total processing and delivery time of nine working days.
“For me it was hassle-free. The application process was smooth, there was no queue. The process now is definitely faster than before,” Martinez, who renewed her passport for the second time, told Gulf News.
“I was surprised to see the new passport. It really is visually striking,” Martinez said.
“It also feels good that our passport now has improved security features. You’ll feel at ease that you’re not at risk of being an easy target of identity thieves,” she added.
Consul Ferdinand Flores said those who applied for passport renewal from July 28 onwards will get the new e-passports. He could not say for sure, however, how long it really takes for the new passports to be delivered.
“The printing of passports is faster now but as for the delivery, we cannot accurately say yet. This batch arrived in just a matter of days. We hope to be consistent with the rest,” Flores told Gulf News, adding the passports arrive in Dubai via diplomatic pouch every Sunday.
“Barring natural calamities or typhoons or public holidays, there shouldn’t be any delays.”
Maria Jona Del Pilar, the third person to get the passport on Tuesday, lauded the Philippine government for their efficient service.
“I’m pleased because the process was smooth and fast. It did not take one month to get the passport; just two weeks. Also, the whole system was efficient,” Del Pilar told Gulf News.
Joana Antigo, 27, an accountant, also applied for her passport on August 8.
“I’m very very happy that the whole process was quick and very straightforward. Usually, when we’re transacting with government, we always experience delays and inconvenience. It’s not like that this time,” Antigo said.
In Abu Dhabi, Vice-Consul Von Ryan Pangwi said one new e-passport booklet has arrived. They expect to receive the new ones next week.
