EXPECT FASTER OFW DEPARTURE CLEARANCES  — BI

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that the integration of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) into the agency’s system will expedite the processing of departure clearances for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the integration is a key component of the Bureau’s modernization strategy, aligning with the vision of a “Bagong Immigration towards the Bagong Pilipinas.”

The OEC or OFW Pass serves as exit clearance and verifies employment abroad for Filipino workers.

With the new system integration, the BI and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) now have real-time data sharing capabilities, significantly speeding up the immigration clearance process.

Tansingco said that this jumpstarts the concept of green lane for OFWs.

He highlighted the advantages of the integrated system.

“The integration of the OEC into our system represents a significant improvement in BI’s modernization efforts. This update will facilitate quicker processing times for OFWs, ensuring that they receive their immigration clearances promptly and efficiently. By enabling real-time data sharing with the DMW, we also aim to ensure a more streamlined process,” Tansingco said.

The integrated system allows for immediate verification of OEC details, providing a seamless experience for OFWs as they prepare for their overseas employment.

If no irregularities are detected, departing OFWs will receive their immigration clearance without delay.

Tansingco also said that the DMW has also committed to maintain its personnel stationed at the airports, who will give assistance to concerns of OFWs.

“This partnership between the BI and the DMW is aimed at providing a seamless experience for our modern day heroes,”  he said.

“They can expect more improvements to come, targeting OFWs to provide better experience,” he added.