Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday clarified that the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a requirement set by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) departing the country for employment abroad.

According to Philippines News Agency, the clarification was issued after a video circulated online showing a child at the airport whose mother was unable to board her flight, apparently for failing to present a working visa and other documents such as an OEC. The BI explained that it implements the OEC requirement in accordance with the policies of the DMW, which ensures proper documentation and protection of OFWs.

'Filipinos traveling abroad on employment visas are required to present a valid OEC, while those on dependent visas are not required to secure the said document,' BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement. '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.'

Republic Act 11641, also known as the Department of Migrant Workers Act, mandates the issuance of an exit clearance to ensure that OFWs are legally documented and protected. 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.

At the same time, the bureau added that OEC requirements depend on the type of visa held by a passenger. It advised departing workers to secure their OEC ahead of time through official channels to ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure at the airport. Viado noted that a dedicated OFW wing was opened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to ensure the convenient travel of OFWs.