Definite Progress

The Gnomad came into work yesterday to find an email from the Government Relations Office (GRO). The email stated that on the previous working day the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had added Mrs Gonmad to the Gnomads Iqama and issued the relevant paper work for the Visa to be applied for in the Philippines. This is, I am told, astonishingly quick and GRO has clearly worked their socks off (or other Arabic clothing type analogy) to get things done this fast.

This, in effect, means that as soon as the relevant paperwork in the Philippines is finished the Gnomadette will be issued with her visa. What we need to do is find out exactly what the paperwork requirements are. I have been trying to do this for a while now. The Embassy in Manila couldnt say, GRO have suggested several items but cannot be sure, and the regulations seem to change every day. The Embassy in Manila has a very handy page where one can download visa forms, but the one we actually need is not available there. "Would the Manila Embassy accept the forms downloaded from the London Embassy?" I asked GRO. "If they are in a good mood they might, but they might not". Ho Hum.

We also need to establish whether we can make an application by post, otherwise its a trip to Manila to submit and another to collect. Thats not so bad as it may sound since I will be in the Philippines for the Eid break, but time is short and Manila is an hour by air or 5 hours by boat from Cebu.

Those of you who are aware of the weekend being Thursday and Friday here will also realise that the Gnomadette's papers were in fact issued on the Gnomad's birthday. A very nice little birthday bonus!

G