BI, DMW systems integration seen to expedite OFW immigration clearance

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can look forward to faster processing of departure clearances following the integration of systems by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the bureau said in a statement Tuesday.

The integration of the DMW's Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) system with BI's system allows the two agencies to "now have real-time data sharing capabilities, significantly speeding up the immigration clearance process," the bureau added.

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

With the integrated system, the BI said, authorities will be able to immediately verify an OFW's OEC details.

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

"This partnership between the BI and the DMW is aimed at providing a seamless experience for our modern day heroes. They can expect more improvements to come, targeting OFWs to provide better experience," BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

OFW Pass online platform may be accessed at https://dmw.gov.ph/ofwpass. — VDV, GMA Integrated News