Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can expect faster immigration processing now that the Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) have been integrated into the systems of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The OEC or OFW pass “serves as exit clearance and verifies employment abroad for Filipino workers.”

“The integration of the OEC into our system represents a significant improvement in BI’s modernization efforts,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

“This update will facilitate quicker processing times for OFWs, ensuring that they receive their immigration clearances promptly and efficiently,” he said.

The integration of OEC into the BI's system was made possible through the partnership between the bureau and Department Migrant Workers (DMW) “aimed at providing a seamless experience for our modern day heroes.”

“By enabling real-time data sharing with the DMW, we also aim to ensure a more streamlined process,” Tansingco said.

The BI said the new system integration allows the bureau and DMW “real-time data sharing capabilities, significantly speeding up the immigration clearance process.”

“This integrated system allows for immediate verification of OEC details, providing a seamless experience for OFWs as they prepare for their overseas employment,” it said.

“If no irregularities are detected, departing OFWs will receive their immigration clearance without delay,” it added.

But while the integrated system is now operational, the BI stressed that its personnel will be maintained at the airports to give assistance to OFWs.