Balik-Manggagawa 2026: Free OFW Pass (eGovPH), Requirements
Quick answer
A Balik-Manggagawa (BM) is an OFW on vacation in the Philippines who is going back to a job abroad. To leave, you need a valid passport, a valid work visa or residence permit, and a DMW exit clearance. If you return to the same employer, jobsite and position, the clearance is free and online: the OFW Pass in the DMW Mobile App or eGovPH, or an OEC exemption from DMW Online Services. If anything changed, your new contract must first be verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the host country. OFWs going back to their worksite with an OEC do not pay the travel tax. The OFW Travel Pass in eGovPH is valid for 90 days from issue and can be renewed in the app; a printed OEC is valid for 60 days and one departure.
What are the requirements?
Same employer, jobsite and position
- Passport that stays valid long enough for your trip. Most airlines and immigration officers ask for at least 6 months.
- Valid work visa, residence permit or re-entry permit for the host country.
- OFW Pass or OEC exemption. See the OFW Pass and OEC guide.
- Updated passport and visa details in your DMW profile, if you renewed either.
New employer, jobsite or position
- Everything above.
- An employment contract verified by the MWO in the host country. Each MWO sets its own requirements; see your country page.
- If an agency places you with the new employer, the agency must be licensed. Check it first: how to check an agency.
How do you apply, step by step?
1. Check your passport and visa dates
Renew early if needed. See passport renewal abroad.
2. Update your DMW profile
Log in to DMW Online Services and replace old passport or visa details under your identifications.
3. Get the OFW Pass in the DMW Mobile App (or the Travel Pass in eGovPH under NGA, then DMW), or print an OEC exemption
on DMW Online Services, click Balik-Manggagawa, enter your return flight date and confirm the same employer, jobsite and position.
4. If the system says your record does not match, book the appointment it offers, or have your new contract verified by the MWO first
5. Renew OWWA if it has expired
See OWWA membership.
6. At the airport, show your passport, visa and the OFW Pass QR code or printed OEC
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFW Pass or OEC exemption | PHP 0 | Free for returning workers since 29 July 2023 |
| Travel tax | PHP 0 | OFWs are exempt; the OEC serves as the exemption certificate when you go to your worksite |
| OWWA membership, if expired | USD 25 | Paid in local currency or pesos; valid 2 years |
How long does it take?
- OFW Pass and OEC exemption: as soon as the system matches your record.
- MWO contract verification: set by each MWO. Do it before your vacation if you already know you will change employer.
- A printed OEC is valid for 60 days and one departure; the OFW Travel Pass in eGovPH is valid for 90 days from issue and can be renewed in the app at any time (DMW Advisory 38-2025).
Where to go
- Online: DMW Online Services, the DMW Portal, the DMW Mobile App and the eGovPH app.
- In the Philippines: the DMW main office at the Blas F. Ople Building, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, and DMW regional offices.
- In the host country: your MWO, for contract verification. See country pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Balik-Manggagawa?
An OFW who is home on vacation and going back to work abroad, usually to the same employer.
Do I need an OEC if I go back to the same employer?
You need an exit clearance: the free OFW Pass, or an OEC exemption printed from DMW Online Services.
What if I changed employer while on vacation?
Your new contract must be verified by the MWO in the host country before DMW can issue your clearance. Plan this before you fly home if you can.
Do returning OFWs pay travel tax?
No. OFWs are exempt. When you fly to your worksite, your OEC counts as the travel tax exemption certificate.
How early should I get my clearance?
Once your flight is booked. A printed OEC is valid for 60 days, so do not print it too early. The OFW Travel Pass in eGovPH is valid for 90 days from issue; if it is about to expire, renew it in the app.
Can my agency do this for me?
It can help, but returning workers can get the OFW Pass or the exemption on their own, online and free.
What if the DMW system shows the wrong employer?
Update your passport and visa in your profile first. If the employer is still wrong, book the appointment the system offers or ask your MWO.
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