Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates can expect smoother assistance for the 2028 National Elections as the Overseas Voting (OV) team of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Dubai has just wrapped up its participation in a multi-day training hosted in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The program, organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), brought together 28 Philippine Foreign Service Posts from regions heavily populated by overseas Filipinos, including missions across the Middle East and Africa. Held from 25 to 27 November 2025, the sessions tackled the procedures governing overseas voter registration and the technical processes needed to carry it out.
The Dubai delegation noted that the discussions prepared its OV team to handle registration more efficiently, particularly when dealing with biometrics and digital processes required under new COMELEC protocols. After the learning sessions, personnel from various posts were recognized for their contributions to the success of the 2025 Overseas Voting operations.
Dubai PCG was among the offices honored by COMELEC, receiving a Certificate of Commendation for registering the highest voter turnout in the Middle East and African region, recording 24,742 overseas voters. The post also secured second place in a technical proficiency competition held among training participants.
While the national OV Registration period officially opened on 1 December 2025, the Consulate began accepting applicants on 3 December following the UAE National Day holiday on 1 and 2 December. Registration for the 2028 polls will continue until 30 September 2027.
To streamline the process, applicants may complete the form ahead of their visit through COMELEC’s iRehistro platform and print three copies before proceeding to the Consulate for QR code verification and biometrics capture. Once received, applications are forwarded to the Election Registration Board for approval. A name must appear on the Certified List of Overseas Voters for an individual to be eligible to vote in 2028.
Eligible applicants include overseas Filipino workers, immigrants, dual citizens, seafarers, and Filipinos who will be abroad between 9 April and 8 May 2028, provided they are at least 18 years old by 8 May 2028.
Applicants must bring their completed Overseas Voting form along with a valid Philippine passport or Emirates ID. Seafarers may present their Seafarer’s Record Book, while dual citizens must provide their Identification Certificate or Order of Approval of Filipino Citizenship.
