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Navigating the temporary office of the Philippine Embassy at 111 Somerset

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Navigating the temporary office of the Philippine Embassy at 111 Somerset

As fellow OFWs living in Singapore, we know how important it is to have access to consular and labor services. That’s why we want to share with you some exciting news – the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, along with its attached partner agencies, has officially moved to its temporary office at Level 16, 111 Somerset Road (TripleOne Somerset Building) as of December 12, 2022.

Don’t worry, business will continue as usual! In the temporary office, the Philippine Embassy and its partner agencies will continue to provide essential services to Filipinos and foreigners living in Singapore from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with no noon breaks.

However, due to space constraints at the new temporary office, it’s important to note that only those with confirmed appointments will be accommodated. Additionally, companions who are not required to sign or have nothing to do with the client’s transaction will not be permitted to enter the office.

To make things easier for everyone, the Philippine Embassy has implemented new appointment and queue systems for consular and labor services. Plus, a new self-service kiosk is now available for clients’ convenience. So whether you’re a new or long-time OFW, rest assured that the Philippine Embassy and its partner agencies are committed to providing the best possible service during this transitional period.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Embassy:

Before you go to the Embassy:

  1. Book an appointment in advance.
  2. Ensure you have all the required documents and a set of photocopies ready.
  3. Prepare the necessary payment (cash or ensure sufficient balance for PayNow payment).

On your appointment day:

  1. Double-check your requirements before traveling to the Embassy.
  2. Bring your passport and Singapore work pass.
  3. Dress appropriately in observance of the Embassy’s dress code.
  4. Arrive on time.
  5. Present your booking confirmation to the security officer for verification.
  6. Proceed to the reception for document verification.
  7. Obtain your queue number from the self-service kiosk.
  8. Wait for your number to be called, then proceed to the designated window for your transaction.
  9. Make your payment at the indicated window after your transaction.
  10. Receive your pink collection slip.

After your appointment:

  1. Return to the Embassy at the indicated collection date and time.
  2. Dress appropriately in observance of the Embassy’s dress code.
  3. Arrive on time.
  4. Present your pink collection slip to the security officer and reception.
  5. Obtain your queue number from the self-service kiosk.
  6. Wait for your number to be called, then proceed to the designated window to collect your documents.
  7. Check the information on your documents before leaving the window.

By following these steps, you can make your visit to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore as smooth and efficient as possible.

Booking an appointment with the Philippine Embassy

When planning to visit the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, it is important to book an appointment in advance for the Consular and Labor services you require. To book an appointment, visit the Embassy’s website and select the appropriate service. It’s essential to choose the correct service, as you will need to make a new appointment if you select the wrong one.

Consular Services

The Embassy offers various consular services such as notarials, Special Power of Attorney, affidavit, report of birth, report of marriage, NBI fingerprinting, solemnization of marriage, passport/document collection, and overseas voter registration.

Labor Services

The Embassy also offers labor services that include contract verification (domestic worker, professional/skilled, and foreign recruitment agency), accreditation of foreign recruitment agencies (land-based and sea-based employers), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, and Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

Preparing your requirements for the Embassy visit

To save time during your visit to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, it’s important to prepare all the necessary requirements in advance. If your visit involves contract verification, be sure to have it signed by your employer before heading to the Embassy. Based on experience, it’s also advisable to have one or two photocopied sets of the required documents beforehand to avoid queuing for the photocopier and paying extra fees.

Remember to bring your passport and Singapore work pass (if applicable) with you as these are the primary identification documents often requested to verify your identity during your visit. To learn more about the specific requirements for each service, visit the Embassy’s website for more details.

Philippine Embassy services fees

Fees for Philippine Embassy services vary depending on the type of service you require. It’s important to note that the Embassy only accepts payments in cash or via PayNow, so make sure you have either option available. While PayNow is a convenient payment method, it’s worth noting that some data providers may have intermittent connections in certain locations, making it difficult to use. As such, I recommend bringing cash with you to avoid any payment issues.

For standard consular services, fees start at S$42.50. If you require expedited processing, you have the option of paying an additional fee of S$17 for same-day processing (for transactions made before 12pm, documents can be collected at 3pm on the same day) or next-day processing (for transactions made after 1pm, documents can be collected the next day between 10am-11am).

For more information, refer to the Consular fees here. For labor service fees, refer to the links below:

Dress appropriately when visiting the Embassy

Most importantly, don’t forget to dress appropriately when you’re heading to the Embassy! Starting October 1, 2022, they are requiring all visitors and clients to observe a proper dress code when coming for appointments or other transactions inside. That means no sleeveless tops, shorts, or slippers. If you’re not dressed appropriately, they might not let you in.

Examples of acceptable clothing include collared shirts, blouses with sleeves, slacks, knee-length skirts, and dress sandals or closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing strapless or see-through tops, skimpy shorts and skirts, and flip-flops or rubber slippers.

Meanwhile, face masks are no longer mandatory following Singapore’s general protocol on public and private establishments. So, it is not required to wear your face mask while visiting the Embassy.

How to get to 111 Somerset

Getting to 111 Somerset is easy and convenient! You have two options: by train or bus. If you’re taking the train, the quickest and most convenient way is via Somerset MRT station, which is only a few hundred meters away from the building. Simply take Exit A and follow the signs to TripleOne Somerset.

For detailed directions and the best route based on your starting point, you can check out this link. It’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Make the most out of your visit to 111 Somerset

As someone who has also gone through the stressful experience of dealing with transactions in the Embassy, I understand how important it is to take a breather and de-stress. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and chill activities near 111 Somerset that won’t break the bank or take up too much time.

After you’re done with your appointment, you can take a stroll in the nearby parks or grab a quick bite in the food court. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore the art and cultural scene in the area or catch a movie in the cinema. And if you’re just looking to relax and unwind, there are plenty of cafes and lounges where you can kick back and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. You can also read our blog about quick and relaxing activities near Somerset MRT for OFWs.

So whether you’re waiting for your expedited document or have some extra time to spare, don’t forget to check out these chill spots near 111 Somerset. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Getting your Philippine Embassy business done at 111 Somerset can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can breeze through it and even have some fun afterwards. Remember to book your appointment early, prepare your requirements beforehand, and dress appropriately. Don’t forget to bring cash and PayNow for payment, and check out the nearby chill spots for a quick and enjoyable break. With these tips, you can make the most of your Embassy visit and make it a smooth and hassle-free process.

Cover image adapted from: Philippine Embassy in Singapore Facebook page

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About the Author

Cher

Meet Cher, the multi-talented blogger and Digital Strategist and Consultant based in Singapore. As the driving force behind The Advencher Blog, she writes about everything under the sun, from her travels and photography to her musings and life lessons. Cher knows the importance of balancing work, life, and self-care, and shares her passion for fitness and wellness with her readers. Acting as editor-in-chief, travel planner, and camerawoman, she does all the nitty-gritty work for the blog. Despite her busy schedule as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the events industry, Cher prioritizes her health and inspires others to do the same through her writing.