Overseas voter registration is open from December 3, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
Dubai: Filipinos living abroad, including the sizable community in the UAE, are being urged to register as overseas voters ahead of the 2028 Philippine national elections.
The registration period began on December 3, 2025, and will continue until September 30, 2027, allowing eligible citizens plenty of time to register at their nearest Philippine diplomatic mission.
Who is eligible to apply
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai says overseas voting is open to all Filipinos living abroad. This includes land-based and seafaring overseas Filipino workers, immigrants, and dual citizens.
Eligibility and requirements
Filipinos who have not yet registered can apply as long as they will be at least 18 years old by May 8, 2028, and will be outside the Philippines during the election period.
Applicants must visit the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai and submit the required documents to complete their registration.
Required documents and application types
Applicants must submit a completed overseas voting form along with a valid Philippine passport. If a passport is unavailable, an Emirates ID may be accepted in some cases.
Additional documents depend on the applicant’s status:
- Seafarers: Seafarer’s record book
- Dual citizens: Proof of Filipino citizenship, such as an order of approval of Filipino citizenship or an identification certificate
The overseas voting system also allows Filipinos to update or correct their records. Services include certification, transfer of registration records, reactivation of voter status, correction of personal details, change of address, and reinstatement or recapture of records.
A reminder to register
Although the elections are still some time away, early registration helps ensure a smooth process and prevents last-minute difficulties.
For many Filipinos in the UAE, overseas voting is a vital way to stay engaged with national issues and participate in shaping the country’s future.
“Register and vote, wherever you are in the world,” the consulate urged.
