Philippines Hosts Inaugural Consular Consultation with Australia
MANILA 08 August 2024 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hosted the inaugural Philippines-Australia Bilateral Consular Consultation (BCC) in Makati City on 24 July 2024 to exchange best practices on consular matters and crisis management.
The Philippine delegation of the meeting was headed by Hon. Jesus S. Domingo, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, while the Australian delegation was led by Hon. Paula Ganly, First Assistant Secretary for Consular and Crisis Management Division of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The inaugural Consultation is among the key events programmed in the Philippines-Australia Joint Plan of Action for 2023-2026 that aim to enhance people-to-people linkages and mobility. It facilitated extensive discussions between officials on multifaceted issues concerning Filipinos and Australians, and identified best practices in protecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar crisis situations.
Undersecretary Domingo expressed appreciation for the exchange of updates with Australia and explored opportunities for collaboration on significant consular trends, such as the implementation of the Philippines-Australia Work and Holiday Visa Program signed in 2023, e-Apostilles, and education. The Philippines also noted the growing number of Filipinos in Australia, specifically students and nurses, and conveyed its interest in establishing strong partnerships with Australia in advancing their well-being.
First Assistant Secretary Ganly underscored the strong links between the countries in education and migration. In particular, Australia shared relevant information on kidnapping and crisis responses, and conveyed its openness to future collaboration with the Philippines in mitigating challenges encountered during pandemics and other natural and man-made crises.
During the meeting, the Philippines and Australia expressed their willingness to explore the negotiation of an agreement on consular notification and access (CNA) and cooperation agreements related to crisis response. The countries also further discussed issues relevant to the welfare of Filipino nationals in Australia, particularly bridging programs for students and recognition of licensed Filipino professionals. END
