DMW Eyes Full Rollout of Digital eTravel Pass to Replace OEC for OFWs

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is preparing for the full implementation of the digital eTravel pass, which will replace the long-standing Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) as the primary departure document for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Speaking at the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) event in Pasay City, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the new system is currently on pilot run through the eGovPH Super App, with a nationwide rollout targeted by early next year—or possibly sooner, depending on the pilot’s progress.

“Pina-pilot run ngayon yan, and hopefully, by the first day of next year or even possibly earlier… lahat na ng returning workers, hopefully pati mga newly-hired workers, yun na yung outcome document,” Cacdac explained.

Part of Government’s Digitalization Drive

The transition forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader digitalization initiative through the eGov PH Super App, which integrates multiple government services into one platform to make transactions more efficient for Filipinos at home and abroad.

Cacdac emphasized that while the OEC will be phased out, registration with the DMW remains mandatory for monitoring and welfare purposes.

“Kailangan namin malaman kung sino sila, nasan sila, para pag may nangyari pwede natin tulungan… Basta may eTravel pass ang worker at cleared siya sa DMW, yun na yung pinakadokumento,” he said.

Benefits for OFWs

Faster Processing – No more long queues for OEC issuance.
One Platform – Travel and employment clearance integrated in the eTravel system.
Accessibility – OFWs can process requirements online via the eGovPH app.

So far, around 70,000 OFWs have already used the system, with the DMW targeting 200,000 workers before the official launch.

Cacdac assured that the new system will expedite procedures and make the process more efficient, eliminating one of the biggest pain points of OFWs during pre-departure.

Key Takeaway: By early 2026 or sooner OFWs will no longer need the OEC. The eTravel pass will serve as the single primary document for departure, provided they are cleared with the DMW.