PHL Embassy in Russia Reach Out to Filipinos in Kazakhstan

Members of the Filipino Community in Astana, Kazakhstan pose with Philippine Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta and Mme. Ma. Consuelo S. Sorreta after a meeting on February 24 at the Diplomat Hotel. Photo: J. Valdez

28 February 2018 MOSCOW – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow met with members of the Filipino Community in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss the situation of OFWs in the Central Asian country and ways for the government to provide assistance.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta, who is also the non-resident Ambassador to Kazakhstan, thanked the Astana-based Filipinos for their contribution to the economy and for shaping a positive image of the Philippines to Kazakhstan. Amb. Sorreta provided assurances that the Embassy, with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs, is prepared to provide various forms of assistance including consular services and emergency assistance for Filipinos in distress. He also discussed several cases wherein the Embassy helped Filipinos in the country.

Members of the Filipino community expressed their appreciation for the visit and shared that they generally enjoy good working conditions and that they are valued by their employers. They also requested the Embassy to conduct regular consular outreach missions to Astana, Almaty and Atyrau where there are sizeable OFW populations so that they can renew their passports, register as overseas voters and avail of other consular services.

Cris Libranda, a Filipino music teacher said, “Natutuwa po kami na kahit malayo ang Embahada ay natutulungan kami. Malaking bagay po para sa mga Pilipino dito na mabisita kami nang mas madalas para po mapadali ang pag-apply ng pasaporte at iba pang mga dokumento.”

The Philippine Embassy in Moscow, Russian Federation has concurrent jurisdiction over Kazakhstan. The Embassy estimates that there are about 500 Filipinos in Kazakhstan working as teachers, engineers and household service workers. END

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