Good News for OFWs: 24 Airlines at NAIA Now Accept the Digital OFW Pass

Twenty-four international airlines operating at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) now accept the digital OFW Pass, enabling eligible overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to present a QR-coded exit clearance at check-in instead of a printed Overseas Employment Certificate.

Through the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) e-Verify system, participating airlines can verify an OFW’s travel eligibility electronically and process the applicable terminal fee exemption or refund.

Among the participating carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Niugini, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Saudia Airlines, AirAsia, Air Canada, Air India, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Thai Airways, ANA, Starlux Airlines, and Air Macau.

Under the new process, eligible OFWs flying with participating airlines must present their passport and digital OFW Pass through the eGovPH App at check-in. Airline personnel can then verify the passenger’s exit clearance through the e-Verify system.

The electronic process reduces the need for printed OECs and supporting airline documents. It also enables participating airlines to reconcile terminal fee exemption records with their remittance reports electronically.

For OFWs, the system means fewer documents to carry and a simpler check-in process. It also helps airline and airport personnel determine more efficiently which passengers qualify for a terminal fee exemption or refund.

The DMW said the e-Verify system forms part of its digitalization efforts in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve the travel experience of OFWs.

“Our aim is to make the departure process as seamless as possible for OFWs,” said NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez. “Every unnecessary step we remove makes the airport experience more convenient and allows passengers to move through check-in more efficiently.”