Pinoy pilgrims to World Youth Day urged to apply for visas early

MANILA, Philippines - The Australian government is urging Filipino pilgrims to file their visa applications early for this year's World Youth Day that will be held in Sydney from July 15 to 20.

Rod Smith, Australian ambassador to the Philippines, said Filipinos could avoid delays in the processing of their visas if they apply early for the event, which will be attended by Pope Benedict XVI.

"While the Embassy will do its best to finalize late applications in time, it would be disappointing for pilgrims to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity because they left their visa application too late," Smith said in a statement on the Australian embassy Web site Monday.

"A large number of visa applications is still expected and we can not guarantee that applications will be finalized in time for World Youth Day unless they are lodged well before the date of travel," he added.

As of May 20, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship issued more than 30,000 visas to World Youth Day participants from around the world, according to Smith. In the Philippines, the number of visa applications lodged with the Australian Embassy has so far been lower than expected.

The applicants' lack of endorsement from local bishops, insufficient proof of access to funds to pay for the trip, and the failure to register for the event, are among the problems encountered by the Embassy in visa processing. - GMANews.TV

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