Abu Dhabi, Dubai centres close on June 30, passport services move to Philippine missionsLast updated: June 25, 2026 | 10:562 MIN READStarting July 1, 2026, all passport applications and renewals will be exclusively processed by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in DubaiFileDubai: Filipinos in the UAE will soon have to go directly to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai for passport services, following the closure of the VFS Philippine ePassport Renewal Centres (PaRC).In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General have announced that the VFS PaRC centres at World Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi and Wafi Mall in Dubai will cease operations on June 30, 2026.“Starting July 1, 2026, all passport applications and renewals will be exclusively processed by the embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate general in Dubai,” read the advisory.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.What does this mean for applicantsFrom July 1, Filipinos seeking to renew their passports or submit new passport applications can no longer use the VFS centres. Instead, they will need to process their requests directly through the Philippine diplomatic missions in the UAE.The announcement marked a significant shift for residents who have used the VFS facilities as a dedicated passport renewal channel in recent years.What happens to unclaimed passportsApplicants whose renewed passports are already ready for pickup have been urged to collect them as soon as possible before the centres shut down.For those unable to do so by June 30, there is no need to reapply or worry about losing access to their documents.“All unclaimed passports and those processed by VFS PaRC – Abu Dhabi or Dubai until June 30, 2026 can be claimed from the embassy and consulate from July 1, 2026 onwards.”Who to contactMeanwhile, no reason has been stated as to why the VFS PaRC centres will halt its operations.Filipino residents planning to renew their passports have been encouraged to take note of the new arrangements and check appointment procedures with the embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate general in Dubai before visiting.For inquiries and assistance regarding consular and other concerns, Filipinos may contact the embassy at +971 50 813 7836 or the consulate at +971 4 220 7800, or through their official email addresses.Also In This PackageTricia is a reporter and anchor whose work focuses on people, policy, expatriate communities, and Filipinos at home and abroad. Her reporting spans national affairs, overseas Filipinos, and major developments across the Middle East. She holds a degree in Broadcasting and has contributed to leading media organisations. With experience across television, print, and digital platforms, Tricia continues to develop a clear, credible voice in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.Related Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next