Gov't eases requirements for exit passes of OFWs in Italy 

MANILA, Philippines – Here's some good news for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Italy planning to come home to the Philippines for the holidays.

The labor department has instructed the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to come up with easier requirements so that OFWs in Italy can get their exit passes or the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) .

This has been a problem for more than 180,000 OFWs living in Italy, since immigration officials in Manila would not honor their work permits and would instead insist on a POEA OEC or an embassy exit pass from returning OFWs as proof they legitimately work in Italy.

This has discouraged many OFWs from Italy to come back to the Philippines for vacation.

In her recent trip to Italy, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz met with migrant leaders there and had dialogue with different groups representing thousands of OFWs.

Baldoz has since instructed Labor Attaché Loreta Bisquera Vergara to implement new requirements for the issuance of the OEC to OFWs:

For OFWs with no work and who are not registered with Italian authorities but have a valid passport:

1. Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit to stay)
2. Certificato di Residenza (Residence Certificate)
3. Certificato di so-called Collocamento (Certificate to find a new job)
4. Plane ticket (round-trip)

For OFWs with work and permit to stay:

1. Valid passport
2. Permit to stay
3. SSS (INPS) contributions
4. Pay slip
5. New contract if new employer
6. Plane ticket (round-trip)

For OFWs below 23 years of age and currently working, the same requirements apply. Prior POEA registration is needed for monitoring purposes. – Rappler.com