MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that a total of 335,831 travel passes have already been released via the e-Gov platform, as part of the agency’s digitalization push to replace the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
In a media briefing on Thursday, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Tutay urged airlines to recognize the digital travel pass as a valid replacement for the OEC.
She noted that since the rollout began on September 15, around 75 percent of all travel passes have been processed through the e-GovPH app. “This is a major milestone for us in just two and a half months, and we aim to reach 100 percent digital processing,” she said.
Tutay acknowledged that some technical issues remain, including reports from OFWs that certain airlines still require a printed OEC despite the digital alternative.
She added that the Secretary will soon release an official advisory announcing the full implementation of the travel pass via e-GovPH, and appealed to airline partners to accept the digital pass presented on the app.
According to Tutay, the shift to a fully digital system improves efficiency, transparency, and protection for overseas Filipino workers. Through the e-GovPH platform, OFWs can create accounts, verify contracts, and process travel clearances online. The system integrates data from recruitment agencies, foreign employers, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and the Bureau of Immigration.
The DMW confirmed that the digital platform is now operational both in the Philippines and overseas, with support desks in MWOs and partner offices available to assist OFWs during the transition.
