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Reduced fees for passports, notarials

MANILA

President Arroyo has ordered the Department of
Foreign Affairs to lower all fees being charged by
the Philippine Embassy in Rome to overseas
Filipino workers in Italy.

The President issued the directive during a a recent
visit to Italy, where she held meetings with the
Filipino community.

“I have ordered the DFA to lower passport renewal
rates from the present 65 euros to only 50 euros,
and the reduction of fees for affidavits and
notarisation from 32 euros to only 25 euros,” she
said.

Arroyo also announced the decision of the Italian
government to automatically grant an Italian driver’s
license to all Philippine driver’s license holders.

She said this is the result of her negotiations with
the Italian Prime Minister and President during her
visit here on June 26 last year.

“This will open up more opportunities for Filipino
workers in Italy especially in the transport services,”
she said.

Arroyo said the Philippine government would
continuously seek benefits such as these from
countries hosting Filipino workers.

“This is in recognition of your huge contribution to
the Philippine economy,” the President said.

Overseas Filipino workers in Italy have remitted
some US$600 million out of the US$13 billion total
overseas remittances last year.

There are some 200,000 Filipinos in Italy.