One of the best experiences for OFWs is that time when they’re temporarily free of any responsibilities at work for their annual leave, and most of them choose to go home or perhaps travel to other countries to hit that reset button.
Pinoy Travels and Tourism, a Filipino-owned tourism company based in Dubai suggests the following tips based from the experiences of their clientele to make sure that you’ll travel without having to worry about any issues when you fly home.
Check passport validity
Before you even book your tickets, the first thing you’ll have to check is if your passport is at least 6 months valid from the time you book your flight to the date when you’ll book your return ticket. “The passport should be at least 6 months valid prior to travel date or else he/she cannot travel at all. If it’s back to home country for one way then it should be fine, but if you are planning to go only for a vacation then make sure your passport validity will be valid,” said Pinoy Travels and Tourism co-owner Jhoanna Quibuyen Relente.
Opt for early ticket booking
After you ensure that your passports are still valid, the next step is to immediately grab the opportunity to book your tickets as early as you can. “Who doesn’t want a cheap flight? We normally suggest our clients to purchase their ticket months before the travelling date to save money,” suggests Pinoy Travels and Tourism co-owner Monette Tizon Padit.
File and update your OEC / OWWA
So you have your valid passport and your tickets ready – is it time to start packing? While you may begin doing that, another important step that you should do before anything else is to get your own Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and update your Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) records. “This is mandatory for every Filipino OFW. You can process from either here on the Consulate in Dubai or at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. You always have the option file from the Philippines before you go back but we normally suggest them to file from here to lessen the hassle of their vacation,” said Pinoy Travels and Tourism co-owner Jean Viazon Etrata.
Once you have done as suggested, you can now plan your own itineraries or have a trusted travel company to help guide you maximize your time at home. “At Pinoy Travels and Tourism, we offer our clients the comprehensive individual and corporate travel itineraries within a short turnaround time. Our team of highly skilled staff have been trained to understand client needs and offer the best options available and the flexibility. We always make sure to make the most of every cent you spend with us,” shares Padit.
Pinoy Travels and Tourism is located at beside Damac Metro Station (Exit 1 JLT SIDE), Office no. 707, Fortune Executive Tower, JLT Cluster T1, Dubai United Arab Emirates.
