The application and processing fee for e-passports being issued by the Philippines government is cheaper than those in other countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
According to the DFA’s official website, the $60 application fee of the country is lower than that of Malaysia, which charges about $88, and other countries such as Turkey ($150), the US ($97) and Japan ($182).
The $60 fee that the government charges to Filipino applicants abroad is a standard rate in all cases whether urgent or expedited applications, the DFA said.
It added that there are 27 Philippine embassies and consulates general that are already issuing, or in the process of pilot-testing, e-passports.
For its part, Migrante-Middle East, a migrant workers’ rights group, said the rate for the application and renewal of e-passports is “misleading.”
“Besides the cost of living in the countries mentioned in the DFA statement is relatively low as compared to the Philippines. OFWs are also receiving low wages compared to expat workers of those countries,” the group said.
Source: Philippine Star
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