Filipinos in Kuwait 2026: Embassy, Passport, OEC
Quick answer
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, in the Sabah Al Salem area, handles passports, notarial work, civil registry and help for Filipinos in trouble. It does not handle the OEC or Balik-Manggagawa: those go to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Kuwait, next door. OWWA, SSS and Pag-IBIG also have desks in the same block. A passport renewal costs KWD 19.500, paid in cash or KNET.
What are the requirements?
- Your Philippine passport and your Kuwait Civil ID.
- A confirmed passport appointment, if you are renewing.
- Kuwaiti dinars in cash or a KNET card. The Embassy asks for the exact amount when you pay cash.
- Documents not in English must come with an English translation.
How do you apply, step by step?
1. Choose the office
the Embassy for passports and documents, MWO Kuwait for contracts, OEC and labor problems.
2. For a passport, book first
3. Bring originals and one photocopy of each document
4. Pay at the Embassy and keep the Embassy receipt
You need it to claim your document.
Services at the embassy
The Embassy lists these services on its website:
- Passport application, renewal and replacement of lost or damaged passports.
- Travel documents for Filipinos who must fly home without a valid passport.
- Notarial work: affidavits, special power of attorney, affidavits of support and consent, parental travel permits.
- Authentication of PSA documents, diplomas, transcripts and NBI clearance.
- Report of Birth, Report of Marriage and Report of Death.
- Retention or re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship (dual citizenship).
- Assistance to Nationals: hospital and prison visits, free legal help in criminal cases, help to repatriate distressed workers.
- Overseas voter registration.
Appointment systems
Kuwait has two places to renew a passport, each with its own booking:
- Embassy, Sabah Al Salem: book on the DFA site passport.gov.ph.
- VFS Global Passport Renewal Center, Kuwait City: book on visa.vfsglobal.com/kwt/en/phl. The center also takes walk-ins from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Notarial and civil registry services are done in person at the Embassy, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Details: Kuwait appointment guide.
Local OFW resources
- MWO Kuwait (formerly POLO): contract verification, Balik-Manggagawa, labor and contract cases such as unpaid salary, conciliation, and repatriation of documented workers. It also runs a temporary shelter for distressed OFWs.
- Overseas Welfare Office (OWO) Kuwait: OWWA membership and programs, including scholarships for dependents and death and disability benefits.
- Assistance to Nationals, at the Embassy: medical help, jail and immigration center visits, and legal aid.
Before you sign with any agency for a job in Kuwait, check the agency on the DMW list. In March 2026 DMW asked recruitment agencies to hold deployment to Kuwait because of airspace closures (DMW Advisory No. 10, series of 2026). Read the latest DMW advisory before you pay any fee.
Keep your benefits active from Kuwait
SSS and Pag-IBIG both keep desks in Building 256, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem, open Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM:
- SSS Kuwait: +965 6996 0266. For contributions and rules, see SSS for OFWs.
- Pag-IBIG Fund Kuwait: +965 9669 3777. For savings and loans, see Pag-IBIG for OFWs.
- PhilHealth: there is no PhilHealth desk listed on the Embassy site. As an OFW you pay the full premium yourself, 5% of your monthly income. See PhilHealth for OFWs.
Going home for good
If you are ending your work in Kuwait, keep your contract, payslips and final pay papers. Then read SSS for OFWs, Pag-IBIG for OFWs and OWWA membership and benefits for what you can claim at home.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport renewal or new passport | KWD 19.500 | Paid in person, cash or KNET |
| Lost or damaged ePassport | KWD 48.750 | Police report and affidavit of loss needed |
| Travel document | KWD 9.750 | For urgent travel home |
| Notarial service, per document | KWD 8.125 | Affidavit, SPA, acknowledgment |
| Expedite fee for notarials | KWD 3.250 | Release in 24 hours |
| Report of Birth | KWD 8.125 | Per report |
| OWWA membership | USD 25 | Paid at OWO Kuwait, in KWD |
All payments to the Embassy are non-refundable.
How long does it take?
- Passport: about 4 to 6 weeks (28 to 45 days) after you apply. Names of passports ready for release are posted on the Embassy website.
- Notarial services: 3 working days, or 24 hours with the expedite fee.
Where do you apply?
- Philippine Embassy: Building 257, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait. Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Passport and consular hotline: +965 6500 2612.
- MWO Kuwait: Building 256, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem. Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone: +965 9403 9063, +965 6040 3858, +965 6558 5355.
- OWO Kuwait (OWWA): same building and hours as MWO Kuwait.
Recruitment agencies with approved job orders for Kuwait (DMW list)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait?
For a passport, yes. Book on passport.gov.ph for the Embassy, or on the VFS Global site for the Kuwait City renewal center. The VFS center also accepts walk-ins.
Can the Embassy in Kuwait give me an OEC?
No. The Embassy does not handle the OEC or Balik-Manggagawa. Go to MWO Kuwait in the building next to the Embassy, or get your exit clearance online.
Where do I go if I have a problem with my employer in Kuwait?
Go to MWO Kuwait. It handles unpaid salary, contract disputes and conciliation, and it has a temporary shelter for distressed workers.
How do I pay fees at the Embassy in Kuwait?
In Kuwaiti dinars only, by KNET or cash. Bring the exact amount if you pay cash.
Can I use my old passport while I wait for the new one?
Yes, as long as it is still valid. You hand it over for cancellation only when you claim the new passport.
Who do I call in an emergency?
Call the Embassy hotline +965 6500 2612, or MWO Kuwait for labor cases. The DMW-OWWA hotline is 1348, or +632 1348 from outside the Philippines.
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