DMW e-Verify: OFWs Can Get NAIA Terminal Fee Exemption or Refund

PHILIPPINES: Overseas Filipino workers traveling through NAIA can now use DMW e-Verify to help confirm their exemption from the airport terminal fee.

Under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, or Republic Act No. 8042, qualified OFWs are exempt from paying certain travel-related charges, including the travel tax and airport terminal fee.

The Department of Migrant Workers said its e-Verify system is designed to make this exemption easier to confirm in real time.

DMW e-Verify Confirms OFW Status

The system checks whether a traveler is a documented and legitimate OFW.

Because the verification is done electronically, airlines and airport systems can easily confirm whether a passenger qualifies for the terminal fee exemption.

This is meant to reduce the need for extra paperwork and avoid delays at the airport.

What OFWs Need to Show

OFWs are advised to present:

• A valid passport
• Their OFW Pass available through the eGovPH app

These documents help airport and airline personnel verify the traveler’s OFW status.

Already Paid the Terminal Fee? Refund May Be Available

OFWs who already paid the terminal fee may also be able to request a refund.

The DMW said the arrangement was developed with the New NAIA Infra Corp., the Department of Transportation, and participating airlines.

The goal is to make terminal fee exemption and refund processing more convenient for eligible OFWs.

Why the New System Matters

In the past, some OFWs still ended up paying airport fees even if they were exempt.

With e-Verify, OFW status can be checked directly in the system.

This can make airport processing faster and reduce the need to explain or prove OFW status multiple times.

What OFWs Should Do Before Flying

Before heading to NAIA, OFWs should make sure that:

• Their passport is valid
• Their OFW Pass is available in the eGovPH app
• Their employment and OFW records are updated
• They keep receipts if they already paid a terminal fee and may need a refund

If there is any issue with the exemption, they should approach the airline, airport assistance desk, or DMW support personnel for guidance.