The government’s digital travel document for overseas Filipino workers is being expanded to cover OFWs who are returning to the same employer and job destination, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The measure applies to Balik Manggagawa, covering returning workers across all deployment locations.
In its announcement, the agency highlighted the shift away from the previous paper-based requirement. “Hindi niyo na kailangang magdala ng dating Overseas Employment Certificate o OEC. May bago nang mas mabilis at mas madaling paraan — ang digital OFW Pass,” the DMW stated.
The department said the system is currently available through the government’s eGovPH super app, based on Advisory 38-2025. Migrant workers are required to download and register on the application before they can use the Balik-Manggagawa service found under the national government agencies menu.
Once logged in, the platform will check existing records and automatically issue a travel pass for workers who still have active contracts. Those with expired documents will be asked to update employer and jobsite information inside the app. “Ito ay binuo ng Department of Information and Communications Technology at ng Department of Migrant Workers para mas mapabilis at mas mapadali ang proseso ng pag-alis ng mga OFW,” the agency added.
The DMW said the OFW Pass remains valid for 90 days from issuance and may be voided or renewed by the worker whenever needed. “Sa bagong paraan na ito, mas mabilis, mas madali, at mas secure ang pagbiyahe ng mga OFW. Walang papel, walang abala,” it noted.
The pass was first pilot tested in July 2023, initially serving OFWs departing for selected territories, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
