The Philippine government has made it easier, faster and more convenient for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) secure a vital document required to hasten their departure abroad, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
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| OFWs arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. |
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the decision was to benefit especially OFWs who are vacationing with their families here during the holiday season and those about to be deployed abroad.
Baldoz explained that OFWs are required to secure the document known as the overseas employment certificate (OEC) and travel exit clearance from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) before they are allowed to leave or return to their jobs abroad.
Baldoz pointed out the problem has become more serious as evidenced by the long lines of OFWs at the POEA so they could get the document.
An overage of 3,000 returning OFWs troop to the POEA daily to secure the document, with the figure doubling during the holiday season when a huge number of them take their annual vacation leaves in the Philippines, according to Baldoz.
She disclosed the new service adopted included a one-stop shop established at the POEA and other government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
The information contained in the online form, Baldoz said, will be automatically saved in the POEA database.--Source: DOLE/Oman Tribune