ADVISORY: New Authentication Certificate & Removal of Red Ribbon

The Philippine Embassy in Qatar has announced that starting on Monday, June 17, they shall begin issuing new authentication or acknowledgement certificates to Filipinos in Qatar.

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The embassy also stated that all applications for authentication or acknowledgement that were received on Sunday (June 16) will no longer have the red satin ribbon. These changes could be attributed to the Philippines becoming part of the Apostille Covention.

ADVISORY New Authentication & Removal of Red Ribbon

New Authentication Certificate (Removal of Red Ribbon) – Philippine Embassy

Last month, the Philippines became part of the Apostille Convention, a group of countries and territories that affix an “Apostille” to documents that will be used overseas. Basically, the Apostille replaces the “red ribbon” that has often been used to authenticate documents.

However, even though the red ribbon will no longer be used, certificates issued by the Philippine Embassy in Qatar shall continue to have an “eyelet” binding the certificate and documents, as well as the round, golden seal embossed with the dry seal of the Embassy.

ADVISORY New Authentication & Removal of Red Ribbon
Image Credit: Philippine Embassy in Qatar FB Page

When a Philippine public document becomes “Apostillized,” it will not need to be authenticated or legalized by the Embassy of the country of destination — provided that the said country is also part of the Apostille Convention.

Similarly, “Apostillized” documents issued in other Apostille-member countries (except for Austria, Finland, Germany, and Greece) that will be used in the Philippines no longer need to be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General, either.

Hence, the new process makes authentication faster and more convenient at a lesser cost, especially if you are heading to another Apostille-member country.

ADVISORY New Authentication & Removal of Red Ribbon
Image Credit: DFA website

The Apostille Convention covers a number of countries, including the Philippines (see infographic below). On the other hand, what if the country you are going to isn’t part of the convention? What will you need to do?

If this is the case, the previous process of authentication still applies. Philippine documents must be authenticated by the Embassy of the country of destination, while foreign documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy before being used in the Philippines.

If you are going to country that isn’t part of the Apostille Convention, and you are not sure about the authentication process, it is best that you:

  • Ask the Embassy or Consulate of the country you’re going to; and
  • Inquire with the recipient of your document if an Apostille is needed in your case.
ADVISORY New Authentication & Removal of Red Ribbon
Image Credit: DFA website

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DISCLAIMER: The details presented above are for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about the recent changes in document authentication or acknowledgement, please visit the official websites of the Philippine Embassy in Qatar as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).