MANILA, Philippines—Good news to all vacationing Filipino workers! Processing of exit permits is now available in two SM supermalls, the Mall of Asia on Diosdado Macapagal Highway in Pasay City, and The Block SM North EDSA in Quezon City.
In a news release, POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said that workers who are on home leave can now process their overseas employment certificate (OEC) or exit permit at the Global Pinoy Centers of selected SM malls. She reminded OFWs to present their valid passports, working permits, and other relevant employment documents for verification by POEA officers.
However, workers on vacation from countries under existing deployment bans such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan will not be accepted in these centers. They are instead advised to proceed to the POEA main office for processing.
Aside from obtaining OECs, workers may also apply for the renewal of 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 added. This year’s offsite processing is POEA’s part in the Pamaskong Handog for OFWs.
This project will run from December 15 until January 15, 2011 and is made possible through the partnership of the POEA, OWWA, and SM Supermalls.
Schedule of Balik-Manggagawa Processing are as follows:
Global Pinoy Center
5th Floor, The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 15, 2010 - January 15, 2011, except December 25 and January 1
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. December 22, 2010 – Jan. 15, 2011, except December 25 and January 1
POEA Central Office
Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Regular work days only
