OFWs exempt from terminal fees, Labor Department reminds DOTC

Overseas Filipino workers are exempted from paying airport fees, travel taxes and documentary stamps, the Department of Labor and Employment reminded the Department of Transportation and Communications on Saturday.

“We have stated this position in countless meetings called by the DOLE through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration involving representatives of civil society groups, recruitment agencies, and other government agencies, such as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,” DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a DOLE website post.

The DOLE had also relayed its position to both DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and to the Senate.

Though the fees were integrated into the airline ticket price at the point of sale, OFWs will not be made to pay the fees upon the presentation of the overseas employment certificate (OEC) issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

However, airlines had pointed out that it would be difficult for foreign travel agents and airline offices to determine the authenticity of the OECs and the verification of airline tickets purchased online.

To remove the hurdle Baldoz said the DOLE will share the POEA’s database with the Manila International Airport Authority.

“The airlines and the MIAA, however, should prepare their respective computer application systems to enable this proposed data-sharing,” she explained. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News

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