A lawmaker is pushing to streamline the departure process for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through the full automation of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and its integration into the government’s e-Travel system.
Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the #83 OFW Party List is advocating for the initiative, stressing that removing the need for a separate OEC issuance would significantly ease the burden on OFWs while still upholding safeguards against human trafficking.
“The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is already integrated with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). There’s no need for OFWs to apply separately for the OEC when the system can automatically recognize their status,” Magsino explained. “We may just need to upgrade the integration to ensure all necessary details are reflected in the BI’s system. This is about streamlining the process while maintaining the OEC’s function as a protective mechanism.”
In a meeting with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary David Almirol last week, Magsino discussed how enhanced system integration is essential for a more efficient and modernized government service.
Under the proposal, OFWs would no longer be required to secure a separate OEC, as their status would be automatically recognized through the DMW-BI system integration. The streamlined process would eliminate redundant steps, reduce paperwork, and shorten processing times, all while ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Magsino emphasized that the move is in line with the government’s broader digitalization drive, which aims to improve services for millions of OFWs.
“Our OFWs deserve a hassle-free system that acknowledges their sacrifices and contributions to the economy. We need to make government processes work for them, not against them,” she added.
If implemented, the integration could be a major breakthrough for OFWs, offering a more convenient, secure, and efficient travel experience.