POEA issued a new policy regarding exit clearance or overseas employment certificates (OEC) of OFWs. Under the new rule, OFWs must submit their exit clearance or OEC directly to the airline counters, terminal fee counters and the Bureau of Immigration counters. In addition, the POEA’s Labor Assistance Counters (LACs) can only accomdoate OFWs with documentation problems, issuing OECs to OFWs leaving within 24 hours, and dissemination of information and education materials.

According to POEA Chief, Baldoz. the new policy aims to “streamline the process in the deployment of OFWs. Before, departing OFWs are required to present their exit clearance or OEC to the POEA LAC counter to be allowed to leave the country