The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen conducted a Consular Outreach on 19 August 2018 at SM Jinjiang Sports Center in Jinjiang City as part of its contribution to the relevant provisions of the Migrant Worker’s Act, the Philippine Government’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program, Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV), and its mandate to assist and guide Filipinos who stayed or worked illegally in China, especially in Fujian province. The activity focused on the importance of obtaining proper documentation, including registration of marriage and reports of birth.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores cited the importance of observing Chinese laws through proper documentation for the duration of the OFWs’ stay in China. He advised the OFWs to coordinate their documentation needs with the Consulate General for proper guidance, and encouraged them to constantly check the Consulate General’s website and WeChat account for important reminders and announcements. He also encouraged the attendees to report soonest to the Consulate General any untoward development regarding their situation so immediate assistance could be extended.

Assistance-to Nationals (ATN) officer Dennis Marnilego discussed the process and requirements for the application for Exit Clearance (prior to repatriations), and Vice Consul Elaine Mae Laruan-Hernandez explained the requirements and procedures for Registration of Birth and/or Marriage, and application for passport renewal and Travel Document. The lecture was conducted in Filipino with the view to provide the OFWs a better understanding of the documentation matters. An engaging Q & A followed after the lecture, and one-on-one consultation sessions were held.

The Consulate General took this valuable opportunity to undertake other activities including issuance of consular IDs and OV registration for the Filipino community based in Jinjiang and its environs.

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