POEA issues advisory to returning OFWS on OECs
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has released an advisory with regard to the issuance of travel exit clearances (OECs) to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during this holiday season.
In its advisory, POEA noted that its Balik Manggagawa Processing Division experiences a surge in the number of applicants for OECs at the start of the Christmas peak season where the number is double the usual of 1,000 per day.
“Congestion and security are major concerns at the POEA premises. Complicating this situation is the number of OFW applicants who have immediate flights”, said the POEA.
In order to pace, declog or deload the processing of OECs, POEA encouraged OFWs who have just arrived to apply for their OECs early either at the POEA Main Office or at the nearest POEA Regional Offices and Extension Units, or avail of the OEC delivery service, to avoid last minute problems prior to their return flights.
Likewise, departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season are also encouraged to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to coming home. Or, they may apply for their OECs at the POEA Main or Regional Offices early prior to their return flights to their host countries.
POEA said regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the NAIA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) except for weekend or emergency exit within 5 days from entry. OFWs must apply for their OECs with the POEA Main or Regional Offices prior to their return flights.
OFWs who have not yet registered with the POEA are advised to bring their contract and/or certificate of employment, and other proofs of employment in order to be documented and be issued an OEC.
OFWs were also told to regularly check the POEA website, http://www.poea.gov.ph for advisories especially before they book their flights. (PIA)
