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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has recently made an important announcement that is set to benefit many overseas workers. The announcement made on Tuesday let it be known that the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), in all its forms, will now be issued free of charge for rehires.

The new policy will be effective starting from July 29, 2023. According to a post on the DMW’s official Facebook page, there will be no requirement for an Official Receipt for the said certificate.

What is the Overseas Employment Certificate?

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document that serves as proof of employment for overseas Filipino workers. It is issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office (formerly known as Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)) to ensure the protection and welfare of OFWs.

It also acts as an exit clearance for OFWs, allowing them to leave the country legally with proper documentation. The OEC also serves as an exemption for OFWs from paying the airport terminal fee and travel tax.

The purpose of OEC is to monitor the number of Filipino workers leaving the country and to ensure that they are properly documented and protected.

Memorandum 110 and OEC Change

The DMW released Memorandum 110, dated July 25, 2023, which details the new policy. This new policy of free issuance of OEC to rehires is in line with Department Circular 02. As per the circular, the OEC has been renamed to the OFW Pass and the fees for its issuance have been removed.

OFW Pass and New Mobile App

In addition to the policy changes, the DMW has also been conducting pilot test runs for the new OFW Pass and their new mobile application. The DMW has clarified on Facebook that although the new mobile app can be downloaded, it is currently not fully operational.

The app is still undergoing a series of changes and improvements to ensure its functionality and user-friendliness.

The OFW Pass is intended to be a digital platform for OFWs to conveniently access their information and transaction records.

International Pilot Test Run

The DMW is not only conducting pilot test runs in the Philippines, but it has also expanded its testing to other countries.

These include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Qatar, Oman, Taiwan, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

This international testing strategy shows the DMW’s commitment to ensuring the app’s functionality and usability across various markets.

How to Contact DMW

The DMW has put out a request for patience from those who wish to participate in the pilot test run. Given the high volume of users accessing the digital platforms, occasional delays in server response time may be encountered. However, the department is actively encouraging OFWs to provide their feedback and suggestions during this phase.

Feedback can be sent to the DMW through various channels including email at ofwpass@dmw.gov.ph, the agency’s Facebook page, FB Messenger at https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph, WhatsApp, Viber, call, or SMS at +63 908-326-8344, +63 927-147-8186, or +63 920-517-1059.

SAUDI ARABIA – The introduction of the OFW Pass is a significant step towards digitalizing public transactions in the Philippines. This move not only streamlines services for Filipino migrant workers but also showcases the government’s efforts to adapt to modern technology and make processes more efficient.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a meeting with the Filipino community in Riyadh, assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that their government is dedicated to alleviating their hardships. He applauded their unwavering determination and fortitude and acknowledged the sacrifices they have made, including being disconnected from their families and homeland.

With the OFW Pass, returning to their country of work becomes more convenient for OFWs as they no longer have to deal with paper requirements. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the risk of losing important documents during travel.

Initiatives for OFWs: The Digital OFW Pass

Among the many efforts to support OFWs, the government recently introduced the OFW Pass. This digital version of the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate aims to modernize public transactions, offering a more efficient service for Filipino migrant workers. According to President Marcos, the OFW Pass eliminates the need for paper documentation, thereby simplifying the process of returning to their respective work countries.

Digitalizing public transactions is a step towards reducing corruption and promoting transparency in government processes. The use of digital technology eliminates the need for physical documents and manual processing, reducing opportunities for bribery and other corrupt practices.

Recognizing the Contributions of OFWs

President Marcos expressed his profound gratitude and admiration for all OFWs, pointing out that their skills and competence acquired overseas serve as invaluable assets to the Philippines. He commended the OFWs for their display of Filipino kindness and warmth, which he believes have not only enticed citizens of their host countries to visit the Philippines but also positioned the country as an attractive tourist destination.

Call to Action for the Filipino Community in Saudi and Abroad

President Marcos encouraged the OFWs in Saudi Arabia to continue supporting each other, particularly those encountering difficulties. He urged them to share their experiences and technical expertise upon returning to the Philippines, emphasizing that their contributions are instrumental in advancing the government’s integration programs. With their assistance, Marcos expressed optimism about a brighter future for the Philippines and its people.

According to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs, approximately 700,000 Filipinos are currently residing and working in Saudi Arabia. The majority are engaged in various sectors including household services, construction, tourism, hospitality, health care, and agriculture.

Why OFWs are Important to the Philippines

OFWs contribute significantly to the development of the Philippine economy and to improving the lives of Filipinos in general. Their remittances serve as a lifeline for many families, providing financial stability and support for education, healthcare, and other essential needs. The sacrifices they make by leaving their families and working abroad are recognized by the government, which is continuously implementing initiatives for their welfare and benefits.

The introduction of the OFW Pass is a testament to the government’s commitment to modernizing public services and prioritizing the needs of Filipino migrant workers. With this digital innovation, returning to work abroad becomes more convenient, allowing OFWs to focus on their jobs and contribute further to the growth of both their host countries and the Philippines. Overall

MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Manila has recently underscored the significance of measures proposed to establish a retirement system for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). By endorsing House Bill (HB) 00176, or the Overseas Filipino Workers Retirement System Act, and HB 8574, or the Kabayan OFW Pension Act, the CHR has shown its commitment to improve the living standards of OFWs.

The CHR statement emphasized that these proposed measures – HB 00176 and HB 8574 – are crucial steps towards the government’s responsibility to uphold citizens’ right to social security. HB 00176 advocates for a retirement system that would provide retirement benefits, dependent’s pension, voluntary separation benefits, and a dedicated fund to back these benefits and related gratuities to OFWs.

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Similarly, HB 8574 aims to “facilitate social justice and offer sufficient protection to the OFWs and their dependents against various risks such as old age, disability, sickness, death, unemployment, and other unforeseen events.”

Challenges Faced by OFWs

Filipino migrant workers encounter numerous hurdles, including inadequate compensation, wage denial, and job instability. The CHR highlighted that their earnings mainly go towards debt repayments, children’s education, and living expenses. A meager 1% is allocated to personal savings, while approximately 5% is set aside for business capital.

The CHR pointed out that advocates for the bills stress the insufficiency of current schemes in addressing the unique situations and vulnerabilities OFWs face. For instance, the Social Security System, being voluntary, only matures when one is 60 and doesn’t accommodate early retirement nor voluntary separation benefits.

Investigation into Allegations of Abduction

In related news, the CHR launched a prompt response operation through its Central Luzon office investigating the alleged abduction of Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22. The young women, reported missing by AKAP KA Manila Bay, an anti-reclamation network, on September 2.

It was suspected that the duo was abducted in Barangay Lati, Orion, Bataan, while on their way to perform relief operations and community consultations. According to statements from AKAP Ka Manila Bay and other environmental rights groups, they had volunteered to study the flooding in the area and the impact of the Manila Bay reclamation on local fishing communities’ livelihoods.

They were allegedly subjected to intimidation and harassment before their suspected abduction. The CHR underscored that this incident occurred just days after the commemoration of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance.

“We call for immediate and exhaustive efforts from law enforcement agencies to search for the missing young environment advocates,” the CHR urged.