Ph welcomes Korean KVAC
By Nidz Godino
"Korean government has designated 2023-2024 as 'Visit Korea Year,' making opening of KVAC perfect fit to tourism campaign," South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said during opening ceremony of KVAC, located at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) opened in Taguig on Aug. 31,2023 to meet growing demand amid surge in number of travelers between South Korea and Philippines.
"There have been concerns visa application process has been too difficult for Korea, but expectations are high that it will be improved by opening of KVAC, following celebration of 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations of Philippines and Korea in 2024, I hope people-to-people exchanges will become more active, and friendship and partnership between two countries will deepen," he said.
Opening ceremony was attended by Senators Cynthia and Mark Villar, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, former Senate president Manny Villar, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo and Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso.
People-to-people exchange between two countries, was at 2.54 million in 2019, was almost suspended during pandemic, but reached one million from January to July this year,2023.
This is 4.7-fold increase from first half of 2022 and expected level of people-to-people exchanges will return to pre-pandemic levels, officials said.
KVAC receives visa applications from Filipinos who want to visit Korea and releases issued visas and passports that have been reviewed by South Korean embassy.
KVAC shall perform embassy's window services while embassy focuses on screening of visa applications so visas are processed quickly and effectively.
KVAC provides free SMS notification services for visa applicants and offers facilities such as nursing rooms, children's playrooms, computers and printers.
Embassy opened visa application center to improve convenience of visa applicants, remove online reservation system and simplify application process to ensure efficient visa processing.
"Korean embassy will continue to make efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges," Lee said, adding embassy "will make efforts to allow more people to enjoy beauty and culture of Korea and to enhance deep friendship and partnership between Philippines and Korea."
No comments:
Post a Comment