Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that a total of 335,831 travel passes have been issued through the e-Gov platform, as the agency speeds up digitalization efforts to eliminate the need for the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

According to Philippines News Agency, in a media briefing on Thursday, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Tutay also called on airlines to honor the travel pass of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in lieu of the OEC. She highlighted the progress made since the digitalization project began on September 15, noting that 75 percent of total travel passes have already been processed through the e-GovPH platform. Tutay described this achievement as a milestone for the agency, which aims to fully transition to the digital travel pass system.

Despite these advancements, Tutay acknowledged the presence of some remaining glitches that the DMW is actively working to resolve. She mentioned reports from OFWs regarding certain airlines still requesting the physical OEC copy, which contradicts the new digital procedure.

To address these issues, Tutay announced that the Secretary will issue an advisory to officially declare the full implementation of the travel pass through the eGovPH. She urged the airline industry to accept the digital travel passes shown via eGovPH by OFWs.

Tutay emphasized that the digitalized system ensures efficiency, transparency, and protection for OFWs. The platform allows users to register, verify employment contracts, and process travel clearances online. It integrates data from recruitment agencies, foreign employers, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and the Bureau of Immigration, providing a comprehensive digital solution for OFWs.

The DMW confirmed that the e-Gov platform is operational both nationwide and internationally, with support desks available in MWOs and partner offices to assist OFWs during the transition.