OEC and OFW Pass for Filipino Workers in Italy
Quick answer
If you work in Italy and fly home on vacation, you need an OEC or an OFW Pass to leave the Philippines again. Both are free for returning workers. Going back to the same employer and job? Get it online. Changed employer in Italy? Your contract must first pass through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Rome or Milan.
The full process for every case is in our OEC and OEC exemption guide.
What are the requirements?
- A valid Philippine passport.
- A valid permesso di soggiorno for work.
- Your current employment contract.
- An account on DMW Online Services, or the DMW Mobile App for the OFW Pass.
- If you changed employer: your new contract, verified by MWO Rome or MWO Milan.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OEC for returning workers | Free | No official receipt is issued |
| OFW Travel Pass (eGovPH) | Free | Valid for 90 days from issue; renewable in the app |
| OWWA membership, if expired | USD 25 | Paid in euros at the MWO; see the OWWA page |
How do you apply, step by step?
1. Update your passport and permesso details in DMW Online Services (POPS-BaM)
MWO Rome links to it as its OEC booking channel.
2. Choose Balik-Manggagawa
If your employer, jobsite and position are the same, print the OEC or save the QR code.
3. If the system asks for an appointment, you likely changed employer
Contact the MWO for your region.
4. Or open the DMW Mobile App and get the OFW Pass
It is also available as the OFW Travel Pass in the eGovPH app.
5. Show the OEC or pass to immigration when you leave the Philippines
How long does it take?
The online OEC and the OFW Pass are issued right away when your record matches. A paper OEC is valid for 60 days and for one departure only.
Where to go
- MWO Rome (central and southern Italy, plus Malta, San Marino and Albania): Via Aurelia 290-A, Rome. Phone +39 06 3974 6101. Appointments on polorome.com.
- MWO Milan (northern Italy): at the Consulate General, Viale Stelvio 71 – Via Bernina 18, Milan. For OEC, Travel Pass and contract verification call +39 02 668 4647.
Frequently asked questions
I have a long-term EU residence permit. Do I still need an OEC?
The OEC is for Filipinos who leave the Philippines to work abroad under a contract. If you are unsure whether you count as an OFW, ask MWO Rome or MWO Milan before you book your flight home.
My employer in Italy changed. Can I skip the MWO?
No. A new employer means the online exemption will not work. Your contract has to be verified by the MWO first.
Can the Embassy or Consulate issue my OEC?
No. The consular section handles passports and civil documents. The OEC comes from DMW through the MWO.
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