A Useful Guide to Philippine Embassy in Kuwait 2024

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait acts as the main refuge for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as it plays a crucial role in protecting their rights, advocating for fair treatment, and providing essential services. From ensuring minimum wage compliance to addressing labor rights violations, the embassy serves as a beacon of support for Filipino migrant workers in Kuwait.

In times of crisis or disputes, the embassy’s involvement is instrumental in resolving issues and safeguarding the welfare of OFWs. Additionally, the embassy offers emergency assistance to Filipinos in distress, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino workers abroad. As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), it is crucial to be well-informed about the services and assistance available. This article will explore the essential functions provided and outline the steps for seeking assistance when needed.

Consular Services

Passport

To acquire a Philippine passport in Kuwait, the process involves scheduling an appointment either at the Philippine Embassy Kuwait at Sabah Al Salem Area or the VFS Global Passport Renewal Center in Kuwait City. For appointments at the Embassy, visit the official website www.passport.gov.ph to book a slot. Alternatively, for appointments at the VFS Global Center, visit visa.vfsglobal.com/kwt/en/phl to schedule or simply walk in from Sunday to Thursday between 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The processing and interview times at the Embassy are from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with passport releasing from 08:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a waiting period of 30-45 days.

It is essential to check the “Passport Ready for Release” status before visiting to collect your passport. Filipino citizens are eligible for a Philippine passport, and those who have acquired foreign citizenship can apply after reacquiring their Philippine citizenship. Remember that all non-English documents must be accompanied by an English translation. By adhering to these steps and guidelines, you can successfully obtain or renew your Philippine passport while in Kuwait.

Visa

To apply for a visa at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Eligibility and Application Time:
   • All eligible Philippine visa applicants can apply at the Embassy from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
2. Required Documents:
   • Personal Appearance
   • Duly filled-out Visa Application Form
   • One recent ID picture (2×2 or passport size)
   • Copy of Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines and a valid Kuwait visa/civil ID
   • Copy of old/previous Philippine visas, if applicable
   • Invitation Letter
   • Hotel Booking
   • Round Trip ticket booking
   • Salary Certificate with translated authorized signatory certificate
   • Bank Statement
   • Additional documents may be requested if necessary
3. Visa Issuance:
   • A single-entry visa is issued upon approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs for restricted nationals under the Philippine Visa Policy.
4. Payment of Fees:
   • Fees must be paid in person at the Embassy in cash (Kuwait Dinar only):
     • KD 13.000 for Single Entry (3 months)
     • KD 3.250 for Expedite fee (for stamping of visa on passport)
5. Processing Time:
   • Allow 10-15 business days for the processing of the visa.

Notarials and Authentication of Documents

The consular section of the Philippine Embassy is responsible for authenticating and notarizing documents intended for use in the Philippines. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait, this process is crucial for legalizing important paperwork. Documents presented to the Embassy for authentication must follow the “chain authentication” procedure as per the 1963 Vienna Convention. This process mandates that documents be pre-authenticated by the appropriate Competent Authority before being submitted to the Embassy, ensuring their validity and compliance with legal requirements. for OFWs in Kuwait. They can visit the Philippine Embassy during working hours. Wait for 24 Hours (Expedite), 3 Working Days (Regular) 2 PM – 3 PM Upon Filing.

Civil Registry

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait provides civil registry services, which involve the reporting and registration of vital events like births, marriages, and deaths of Filipino citizens residing abroad. The Embassy registers these events, ensuring that births, marriages conducted in Kuwait, and deaths of Filipino citizens are properly recorded. Civil registration is a mandatory and ongoing process that involves the continuous and permanent recording of vital events such as birth, marriage, and death, along with court decrees and legal documents that impact an individual’s civil status. This registration process is mandated by Act No. 3753, known as the Civil Registry Law.

Report of Birth

Filipino citizens born abroad must report and register their births at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. Here are the requirements:

• Personal appearance at the Embassy from Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 AM to 12:00 NN
• Duly accomplished Report of Birth form (four signed originals)
• Foreign birth certificate apostilled by a competent authority, with English translation if necessary
• Passports of parents (four photocopies each)
• Civil ID of Parents (if applicable)
• Parents’ Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage in English
• Affidavit of Delayed Registration of Birth if filed more than one year after birth date
• Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (if parents are unmarried)
• Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (if parents are unmarried)
• Certificate of Registration

Report of Marriage

Filipino citizens who get married abroad must report and register their marriages at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. Here are the requirements:

• Personal appearance at the Embassy from Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 AM to 12:00 NN
• Duly accomplished Report of Marriage form (four signed originals)
• Foreign marriage certificate apostilled by a competent authority in the country of marriage (one original and four photocopies; original will be returned to applicants)
• Passports of husband and wife (original and four photocopies of each passport’s data page)
• Birth certificates of husband and wife (original and four photocopies each; original will be returned to applicant)
• Affidavit of Delayed Registration of Marriage if the Report of Marriage is filed more than one year after applicants’ date of marriage (four signed originals)
• For divorced or annulled Filipino spouse, Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with proper annotation (original and four photocopies)
• For divorced Filipino spouse who has no marriage record in the PSA, Divorce Decree/Certificate validated by the Regional Trial Court nearest the spouse’s place of residence in the Philippines (original and four photocopies; original will be returned to applicant)
• For widowed Filipino spouse, Death Certificate issued by PSA or the foreign death certificate of previous spouse and Marriage Certificate issued by PSA with the previous spouse (original and four photocopies each; original will be returned to applicant)
• For divorced foreign spouse, foreign divorce decree (original and four photocopies; original will be returned to applicant)
• For widowed foreign spouse, death certificate of previous spouse (original and four photocopies; original will be returned to applicant)
• Payment of fees (to be paid by applicant at the Embassy in person, in cash, Kuwait Dinar only)
  • Report of Marriage: KD 8.125
  • Affidavit: KD 8.125 per document
  • Expedite fee for same-day processing (only for those submitting requirements in person at the Embassy): KD 3.250
    The Consular Officer may request additional documents as needed.

Report of Death

The death of a Filipino in Kuwait must be reported and registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority through the Philippine Embassy. The Report of Death (ROD) should be done within 12 months of the date of death. The Embassy issues Consular Mortuary Certificates when the remains of a deceased Filipino or foreigner are to be transported to the Philippines. Here are the requirements:

• Duly accomplished Report of Death Form bearing the original signature of the informant (four signed originals)
• Death Report of the deceased, issued by a competent authority (Hospitals, and Forensic Department) in the country
• Passport and Civil ID of deceased (four photocopies of data page)
• Affidavit of Delayed Registration of Death if the Report of Death is filed more than one year after demise of the deceased (one signed original and three photocopies)
• Payment of fees (to be paid by applicant at the Embassy in person, in cash, Kuwait Dinar only)
  • Report of Death: KD 8.125
  • Affidavit: KD 8.125 per affidavit

Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage

For Filipinos planning to marry in Kuwait, the following steps are required:

1. Obtain a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the Philippines, duly Apostillized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila.
2. Obtain a Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) from the PSA, also Apostillized by the DFA in Manila.
3. Submit both documents to the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to receive a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (LCCM).
4. Provide a Sworn Statement declaring single status. If sending documents by post, the Sworn Statement must be notarized by a local notary public and Apostillized by a competent authority in the issuing country.
5. Payment of fees: KD 8.125 for LCCM and KD 8.125 for the Sworn Statement.

Solemnization of Marriage at the Embassy

To apply for marriage at the Embassy, follow these steps:

1. Submission of Documents:
   • Complete the Application for Marriage License and Marriage Solemnization at the Embassy, signed by both bride and groom.
   • Provide the following documents for both bride and groom:
     • Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with Apostille by the DFA.
     • Certificate of No Record of Previous Marriage (CENOMAR) issued by PSA with Apostille by the DFA, not older than 6 months before the intended marriage date.
     • Valid Philippine passport.
     • Photos of bride and groom.
2. Payment of Fees:
   • Fees to be paid in cash at the Embassy:
     • KD 19.500 for solemnization of marriage
     • KD 8.125 for marriage license
     • KD 8.125 for LCCM of bride
     • KD 8.125 for LCCM of groom

Get in touch with Philippine Embassy in Kuwait:

Address: Building 257, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem Area, Kuwait

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sundays to Thursdays

Passport and Other Consular Services Hotlines: +965 6500 2612

E-mail Address: kuwait.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook Page: facebook.com/PHinKuwait

Twitter Account: twitter.com/PHinKuwait

Important Note:

• CLICK HERE to get information and schedule an appointment for passport renewals at the VFS Global’s Passport Renewal Center (PARC) in Kuwait City.
• The Embassy DOES NOT HANDLE Balik-Manggagawa or Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) applications. For labor-related inquiries, the public may reach out to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuwait.