Sweden closes down embassy in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Swedish government announced the closure of its embassy in Manila, and that its functions have been transferred to the Swedish embassy in Bangkok. An announcement on the Swedish Embassy website in Manila said the embassy in Bangkok will now handle Philippine matters. However, the Swedish government said that while its embassy in Manila will no longer entertain new visa, and residence and work permit applications, it will continue to hand out approved visa as well as residence and work permits until June 12. "Effective of June 1, 2008 the Embassy of Sweden in Manila is closed. The Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok is from June 1, 2008 the Swedish embassy responsible for the Philippines," the advisory stated. "The Embassy of Sweden in Manila will continue to hand out certain documents until June 12 (approved visas, and residence and work permits) but is closed for new applications," it added. But it said that on June 6 and 9, the Embassy will be temporarily closed due to the holidays. It also said an Honorary Consulate General will open in Manila on June 16, and contact information to the Honorary Consulate General will be posted on the Manila and Bangkok websites. "Starting on June 16 you will be able to book an interview which will take place at the Honorary Consulate General in Manila. Address and telephone number to the Honorary Consulate General will be presented on this website as well as the website of the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok shortly," the advisory stated. But it said that until the Honorary Consulate General is opened, the following terms will apply: • Urgent consular matters that need attention prior to June 16 are referred to the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok at number +66-899-961-421. • For passports lost between June 1 and 15, the bearer will have to contact the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok on telephone number +66-899-961-421. The Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok will be able to give further instructions on how to get a temporary passport. • Starting June 1, passport applications by regular Swedish passport holders can be handed in at the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok. On the other hand, there is a temporary freeze in accepting new applications from Manila for Schengen visa for Sweden between June 1 and June 9. "Starting June 10 you will be able to apply for Schengen visa for Sweden in Manila. Further information on the process will be published on this website and also on the website of the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok shortly," it said. Those with inquiries may contact the Swedish Embassy in Manila at mobile nos. +63917-508-9271, +63919-270-1747 or +63920-825-0329 or via email ambassaden.manila@foreign.ministry.se. - GMANews.TV