The OFW Pass: DMW's digital pass for departing OFWs

The OFW Pass is a digital exit clearance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The version in use now is the OFW Travel Pass in the eGovPH app, set out in DMW Advisory No. 38, s. 2025, “Implementation and Use of OFW Travel Pass”, signed on 7 November 2025.

What the advisory says:

• Who it covers. It “will initially cover all rehire or returning workers (Balik-Manggagawa), including those who obtained OEC Exemptions”. “A Travel Pass will only be issued to workers who are returning to the same employer and destination country.”
• Where you get it. Through the eGovPH app.
• How long it lasts. It is “valid for ninety (90) days from its issuance date and can be voided or renewed by the worker at any time”.
• What else it does. It serves as “additional proof of overseas employment for claiming travel tax and terminal fee exemptions and must be accepted by airlines”.
• Printed passes still count. “Printed OFW Passes issued through existing DMW Online Services … will continue to be recognized as valid exit clearances.”

The advisory does not say whether the Travel Pass is mandatory, or whether it works without an internet connection.

Before that: the 2023 pilot. DMW tested the OFW Pass in its own DMW Mobile App in ten countries and territories: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and the UK. DMW Advisory No. 24, s. 2023 ended the pilot test on 29 September 2023, kept the pass available through the DMW App in those places and the Philippines, and said the OEC “will continue to be a valid exit clearance for OFWs until further notice”. The OFW Pass page on DMW’s new website is marked “Under Development” on the checked date.

Who can use it

The OFW Travel Pass is for Balik Manggagawa going back to the same employer and destination country, including workers who used the OEC exemption before (Advisory No. 38).

It is not for:

• New hires, who still get an OEC through their agency or DMW’s direct hire process.
• Returning workers whose details changed: a new employer, job site, position or country. They need an OEC after DMW processes their contract. See the Balik Manggagawa guide.

Getting it in the eGovPH app

The steps DMW’s Migrant Workers Office in Osaka published on 22 October 2025:

1. Download the eGovPH app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Create an account with a valid email address and mobile number.
3. Open the NGA tab and choose DMW.
4. Tap Balik Manggagawa.
5. On the home page, tap Travel Pass.
6. Your OFW Travel Pass profile and QR code appear. This is your digital exit clearance.

If your details in the app do not match your passport or job, contact DMW before you travel. A mismatch needs to be fixed by DMW, at a DMW regional office or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) where you work. The Balik Manggagawa guide lists the details you cannot change yourself.

What the colours mean

Advisory No. 38 gives each Travel Pass a status colour:

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If yours is amber or red before your flight, renew it in the app. The advisory says you can void or renew a pass at any time.

OFW Pass, OEC and OWWA e-Card

Three things with similar names, on the checked date:

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The OWWA e-Card is an ID. It does not replace your exit clearance. See OWWA membership for the e-Card and renewal.

Using it when you leave

Advisory No. 38 says the pass’s QR code can be checked on DMW’s website. Airport and airline staff use DMW eVerify, which DMW describes as “the official DMW OFW Pass verification platform for airport authorities, airlines, and partner agencies”. They enter your exit pass number or scan your QR code.

Because the advisory does not say whether the pass works offline, open it in the app while you still have a connection, and keep your passport, visa and proof of employment with you.