The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) released an advisory for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who will apply for travel tickets clearances or the OECs at the POEA Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division to prevent congestion.
The POEA expects a surge as many OFWs will return in the Philippines this coming Christmas and feared that they may rush simultaneously in POEA that may cause problem.
The POEA said that from the usual 1,000 applicants they get from a regular day, it doubles during holiday season resulting to problems of congestions and security.
“Complicating this situation is the number of OFW applicants who have immediate flights,” POEA said.
Thus the agency advised returning OFWs to observe the following procedures “in order to pace, declog or deload the processing of OECs:”
1. “OFWs who have just arrived are encouraged 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.”
2. “Departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season are encouraged to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to returning to the Philippines. Or, apply for OECs at the POEA Main or Regional Offices early prior to their return flights to their host countries.”
3. “Regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Labor Assistance Center (LAC) except for weekends 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.”
4. “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.”
The POEA also urged OFWs to regularly check the POEA website, www.poea.gov.ph, for advisories especially before they book their flights.
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