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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Overseas Employment Certificate a must for Filipinos travelling abroad to work -- BI

Overseas Employment Certificate a must for Filipinos travelling abroad to work -- BI

Published Sep 6, 2025 03:39 pm
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reminded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a requirement for their departure to work abroad.
The reminder was issued after a video circulated online showing a child at the airport whose mother was unable to board her flight.
It said the bureau strictly implements the OEC requirement in line with the policies of the DMW on proper documentation and protection of OFWs.
Citing Republic Act No. 11641, also known as the Department of Migrant Workers Act, the BI said that the issuance of an exit clearance is mandated to ensure that OFWs are legally documented and protected.
It explained that the OEC serves as proof that a worker has been properly documented by the government and is leaving the country for overseas employment through legal and secure channels. It also exempts OFWs from travel tax and airport terminal fees, it said.
At the same time, the BI said that the OEC requirement depends on the type of visa held by a passenger.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that Filipinos traveling abroad on employment visas are required to present a valid OEC, while those on dependent visas are not required to secure the document.
Viado said: “Our immigration officers understand the challenges faced by our migrant workers. The OEC is an important requirement of the DMW to ensure the protection and welfare of our OFWs, and it is a standard process that applies to all departing for overseas employment.”
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