Overseas Filipinos are considered to be modern day Filipino heroes, a namesake that it is befitting for their contributions not only to their families but to their country as well.
Therefore, it is only right that OFWs receive some perks and exclusive privileges.
If you’re an overseas worker, here are some of privileges you can avail of:
1. Courtesy lanes for OFW passport renewals
Aspiring OFWs can have their passports renewed in no time.
Even without a reservation, OFWs can have their passports renewed, quick and easy. They only have to bring their employment contract and plane ticket and voila for the passport renewal process.
OFWs may visit Robinson’s Galleria at Ortigas Center for their passports to be renewed.
2. Travel tax discounts for OFW spouse or dependents
Families of OFWs can now visit their relative overseas without worrying about the high cost of travel tax. Dependents of OFWs can enjoy an almost 50% travel tax discount.
According to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), taxes for first class flights for OFW families is only Php400 while families of OFWs only need to pay Php300 for economy flights.
Those who are qualified for the privileged reduced travel tax rate are the following:
(1) Legitimate spouse of an OFW
(2) Unmarried children of an OFW whether legitimate or illegitimate who are below 21 years of age
(3) Children of OFWs with disabilities even before 21 years of age
You may check TIEZA’s website for further details.
3. PhilHealth benefits for OFW members
If you are hospitalized abroad, you can reimburse your expenses if you are a PhilHealth contributor.
Once discharged, you are given 180 days to process the documents you need for reimbursement. You can submit your claim documents to any PhilHealth office in the Philippines. You can even ask your relatives to process and submit the required documents for you. This privilege also extends to your dependents.
You may check PhilHealth’s website for other queries here.
4. Tax-free shopping at Duty Free
You have arrived in the Philippines but you do not have any pasalubong to your family yet? Duty Free has got you covered. OFWs are entitled to tax-free shopping at Duty Free Philippines. However, this is only applicable if an OFW visits the store 15 days after their arrival. This, however, is extended to 30 days during the Christmas season.
In Duty Free, OFWs can buy pasalubongs ranging from both imported and local products.
5. Exclusive booths and lanes at NAIA
The Ninoy Aquino National Airport (NAIA) offers different privileges for both OFWs who are waiting to board their planes that will take them overseas and OFWs who have just arrived in the Philippines.
An immigration booth is available exclusively for OFWs who just arrived in the Philippines so they can be with their families right away by not waiting for long queues in the immigration office. This is available for OFWs who are about to leave the country too.
Meanwhile, the NAIA well-wishers lounge, opened in 2016, is dedicated for families and relatives of OFWs who wish to savor precious moments with their loved ones while waiting for their flights.
6. SM Global Pinoy Center
SM offers perks for OFWs and their families through the SM Global Pinoy Center. These include free refreshments, free internet browsing, remittance pick-up, and free international calls.
Locations of these centers can be checked here.
