PH Embassy in Amman Conducts First Consular Outreach Mission in Gaza Since 2019 

The Philippine Embassy in Amman successfully conducts its Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Mission to the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine. (Amman PE photo)

AMMAN 31 March 2022 – For the first time since 2019, the Philippine Embassy in Amman successfully conducted its Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Mission to the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine, last 20 to 23 March 2022 in response to the needs of Filipino nationals under its jurisdiction. The delegation was headed by Second Secretary Julius De Guzman and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie Andales. 

Over 90 Filipinos residing in Gaza availed the Embassy’s consular services such as passport renewal, civil registration, visa application, and notarial. The Embassy’s partner agency, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), similarly provided its services such as verification of contract and accepted renewal of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership. The delegation also personally ascertained the condition of Filipino families in Gaza following the escalation of tensions in May 2021. 

In addition to consular services, the Filipino community received various Filipino food products for a taste of home.

In her remarks to the Filipino community, Vice Consul Andales conveyed on behalf of His Excellency Ambassador Akmad Sakkam the Embassy’s joy to finally be able to visit them and respond to their needs. Vice Consul Andales also relayed the Embassy’s plan to conduct a regular outreach to Gaza.

Gaza is home to 99 Filipinos, most of whom are spouses and children of Palestinians. END

For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassy-amman.net, or https://www.facebook.com/ammanpe.