The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-Calabarzon said Tuesday it processed 15,923 Balik-Manggagawa Overseas Employment Certificates (BM-OEC) within the designated time frame in 2023.

It also issued 5,341 BM-OECs within the process cycle time during the first semester of 2024.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum at Hotel Marciano here, DMW-Calabarzon Officer-in-Charge Karen Quilao highlighted the significance of the BM-OEC, being the exit clearance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are returning or vacationing abroad.

Quilao explained that when applicants have all required documents ready, including a valid visa and a verified employment contract, the BM-OEC is typically issued within the same day.

“The BM-OEC is designed to provide protection for OFWs, ensuring they are properly documented and informed before leaving the Philippines,” Quilao stated.

She cautioned OFWs against using fraudulent documents, which could lead to complications at Philippine immigration checkpoints.

It is crucial for workers to only deal with authorized entities to ensure a smooth departure process, she added.

Quilao also reported that in 2023, there were 286,687 land-based workers and 113,231 sea-based workers deployed for international jobs.

For the first quarter of 2024, the numbers were 72,230 land-based and 23,606 sea-based workers.

“From pre-employment to their return and re-integration, DMW is committed to supporting our OFWs,” Quilao said. “We also work diligently to protect them from scammers, illegal recruiters, and traffickers.” (PNA)