THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday advised employers and prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hired through direct hiring to make sure that they have their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) before booking their flights and setting their itineraries.
In a Notice to Direct Hire OFWs posted on its social media, the DMW said it would be better if the OFWs will prioritize completing their documentary requirements before setting their flight schedule and travel itinerary.
“All direct hired applicants are hereby reminded to ensure that they have completed their documentation with the DMW and that their OECs have already been issued prior to acquiring plane tickets for their work destinations,” the notice read.
“Employers are further advised that flight bookings/departure schedules and itineraries should be finalized and confirmed only upon the issuance of DMW clearances to the worker,” it added.
The DMW said booked flights and itineraries are not adequate reasons for the government to forego its established processes.
“Plane tickets and even confirmed itineraries are not acceptable bases to do away with the process of evaluation of documents and proper documentation of workers,” said DMW.
In doing so, it said the OFWs as well as their employers will avoid any untoward circumstances facing the processing and deployment of workers.
Direct hires are OFWs who are employed overseas sans going through licensed employment/recruitment agencies.
