The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has defended its six-hour stay policy at OFW lounges, saying the measure is necessary to ensure fair access to limited facilities for thousands of departing overseas Filipino workers each day.
In a statement, OWWA said it understands the difficulties faced by OFWs, particularly those traveling from distant provinces who often arrive at airports several hours before their scheduled flights.
However, the agency noted that demand for lounge services far exceeds available capacity.
According to OWWA, between 4,000 and 6,000 OFWs depart the country daily, while the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 can accommodate only 216 people and the facility at Terminal 1 can serve 140.
Before the six-hour policy was implemented, some OFWs reportedly stayed in the lounges for more than 12 hours, while others arrived one or two days before their flights.
As a result, workers with imminent departures were sometimes unable to access the facilities because the lounges had already reached capacity.
OWWA said the policy was introduced to ensure that more OFWs, particularly those preparing to board their flights, could benefit from the available services and resting areas.
The agency added that exceptions may still be considered when space is available and when travelers require assistance.
Despite space limitations, OWWA said its airport lounges have served nearly two million OFWs over the past year, reflecting the growing demand for the service.
The agency said it continues to improve and expand its facilities to accommodate more workers.
As part of those efforts, OWWA announced that a new OFW Lounge at Mactan-Cebu International Airport is scheduled to open this week.
The agency thanked OFWs for their feedback and said the comments help improve programs, facilities and services for overseas Filipino workers.
