Returning OFWs may now process papers in malls – POEA

Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) vacationing in the country may now process their travel documents in at least two major malls in Metro Manila, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The POEA said in a release that returning OFWs now have the option to process their exit permits in two SM malls: the Mall of Asia in Diosdado Macapagal Highway in Pasay City, and The Block in SM North Edsa in Quezon City. POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said OFWs who are temporarily in the country for the holiday season can now secure exit permits, also known as the overseas employment certificate (OEC), at the POEA’s Global Pinoy Centers in these two malls. Aside from obtaining OECs, workers may also apply for the renewal of their membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and PhilHealth. “The move to tap other venues for the processing of workers particularly during the holiday season is intended to decongest the long lines at the POEA Main Office in Ortigas, while at the same time allow workers to enjoy the company of family members while shopping in the malls," Manalili said according to the release. When processing such permits, OFWs will be asked to present their valid passports, working permits and other relevant employment documents for verification by POEA officers deployed in these centers. Workers on vacation from countries where the Philippines implements a deployment ban such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, however, will not be allowed to process their papers at the POEA centers located in the malls. These workers, the POEA said, should proceed to the POEA main office in Mandaluyong City for the processing of their documents. OFW papers will be accepted at the Global Pinoy Centers from December 15 until January 15, 2010.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV