Latest news with #OECs
Filipino Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
MWO-Dubai pilots online contract verification systems for OFWs
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will begin the pilot implementation of an online contract verification system on July 7, 2025. In an advisory issued on July 4, MWO-Dubai said the pilot will run for 30 days and will cover land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or Emirates IDs issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. The system developed by the Department of Migrant Workers allows OFWs to apply for contract verification without going to the MWO office. The process can be accessed via For the pilot run, the platform will accept up to 200 applications per day, from Monday to Friday, starting at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 11:59 p.m., or once the cap is reached. The standard processing time is three working days from the date of application, subject to the submission of complete documents and payment of fees. Once verified, workers can download their contracts and secure their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) through the DMW portal. MWO-Dubai said the use of the online platform is optional and workers with confirmed flights may still have their contracts verified manually at the MWO-Dubai office one working day before their departure.
Filipino Times
01-07-2025
- Filipino Times
PH downgrades alert level in Israel to Level 2
The Philippine government has downgraded the alert level status in Israel from Level 3 or voluntary repatriation to Level 2 or restriction phase, following a recommendation from the Philippine Embassy in Israel issued on June 24. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 1, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited 'positive developments in the security situation' as the reason behind the move. Under Alert Level 2, essential travel to Israel is now allowed, including official government visits and business delegations. Additionally, Filipino workers currently in the Philippines on vacation may return to Israel provided they hold valid Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and re-entry visas. However, the DFA emphasized that non-essential travel remains prohibited, particularly for pilgrims, tourists, and newly-hired overseas Filipino workers. 'The Department will closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the Alert Levels as necessary,' the DFA added. This downgrade marks a significant easing of restrictions, which had been in place amid heightened tensions in the region in previous months.
Filipino Times
29-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Supreme Court: No more SSS payment needed for OEC
The Supreme Court has ruled that land-based overseas Filipino workers no longer need to pay Social Security System (SSS) contributions before obtaining their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs). Without this certificate, Filipino workers who want to work abroad cannot leave the Philippines. In a decision released on Nov. 5, 2024, the court struck down Rule 14, Section 7(iii) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Social Security Act of 2018. This rule required workers in countries without labor agreements with the Philippines to pay both employer and employee shares, totaling P2,400 per month, before getting an OEC. Petitioners, including Migrante International, argued that the rule was unfair and violated workers' constitutional rights to travel and due process. They also pointed out that many foreign employers do not pay their share of SSS contributions, forcing workers to cover the full amount. The Supreme Court ruled that making SSS payments a condition for OEC issuance was 'unduly oppressive, unreasonable, and repugnant to the Constitution.' The court stated that the rule focused more on enforcing collections than protecting workers. With this ruling, the SSS, POEA, and DOLE are permanently barred from requiring advance SSS payments for OECs. However, other provisions of the Social Security Act challenged in the case were upheld. Migrante International called the decision a 'partial victory.' Deputy Secretary General Josie Pingkihan said, 'This successful decision from the Supreme Court is a result of the collective action of our fellow migrants against state extortion.'
Filipino Times
23-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
OFW Processing Center to open at Mactan-Cebu Airport
Cebu Pacific, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), is set to establish an overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Processing Center at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2. The new facility aims to simplify the processing of essential travel documents for migrant workers. Construction of the center will begin this March, with operations expected to start by the end of the second quarter of 2025. The center will assist in processing Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and streamline the departure and return procedures for OFWs traveling through MCIA. Cebu Pacific's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Candice Iyog, emphasized the airline's commitment to improving services for OFWs, saying, 'This partnership is part of our ongoing effort to make air travel more convenient and responsive to the needs of overseas Filipino workers.' DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac expressed full support for the initiative, noting that the center would serve as a one-stop service hub, providing essential services, comfort, and VIP treatment to OFWs and their families. This initiative underscores Cebu Pacific's role in supporting migrant workers, further enhancing its reputation as a trusted airline partner for the Filipino workforce abroad. The airline also plans to collaborate with other government and private sector partners to improve services for OFWs in the future.
