MIAA opens new immigration counters for OFWs at Terminal 3
The counters are located next to the OFW Lounge, aiming to ease congestion at the departure area.
The new counters are expected to serve up to 2,400 OFWs daily, reducing waiting times and improving airport efficiency.
A total of six new counters have been set up, with three already operational and three more undergoing installation. These counters are an extension of the existing immigration area at Terminal 3.
To speed up the process, MIAA assigned 25 more Bureau of Immigration officers to handle the volume of travelers. A help desk from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is also available near the counters to assist with issues such as Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC).
MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said, 'This project reflects our deep appreciation for OFWs' sacrifices, affording them with a dedicated, hassle-free immigration experience.'
The new facility is adjacent to the OFW Lounge, which opened in July 2024 and provides free meals, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and assistance desks through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
16 Distressed OFWs from Jeddah Safely Repatriated to the Philippines
Sixteen distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Jeddah have returned safely to the Philippines, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on August 11, 2025, via Saudi Airlines flight SV870 at 9:15 p.m. They were welcomed by Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela Galias, along with officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), OIC-Chief Noemi Tañag of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team. OWWA will provide them with free temporary shelter or hotel accommodation for one to three days, as well as complimentary plane tickets to their respective provinces. The repatriated workers also received immediate medical care and financial assistance to support their reintegration into their families and communities. The repatriation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the DMW–MWO and OWWA Jeddah, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the welfare of OFWs.
Filipino Times
31-07-2025
- Filipino Times
OFW e-Card, National ID, and more: Here are the services available at one-stop Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai
For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), getting things done with multiple government agencies often means long waits, multiple appointments, or even having to fly home just to process one document. But this August, the Philippine government is bringing services directly to the Filipino community in Dubai through the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan. Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai (MWO Dubai), the caravan is an inter-agency outreach initiative designed as a one-stop campaign to reintroduce various government services and make them more accessible to OFWs and their families. The OFW Serbisyo Caravan will take place on August 3, Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Exhibition Hall 8 of Dubai World Trade Center. The event is held in collaboration with the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc). No pre-registration is required. Below is a list of participating agencies and the services they will offer: PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA) PSA will provide civil registry documents and assist with National ID registration and printing. Services: Issuance of certified true copies of: Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) CENODeath (Certificate of No Death Record) Fees (approximate): PHP 155 – Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate PHP 210 – CENOMAR or CENODeath Payment Methods: Philippine Peso Cashless payments via GCash or Maya Additional Services: National ID registration Registration status checking Issuance of printed paper National ID Access to Digital National ID via the eGovPH app For the list of requirements, visit: PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL – DUBAI The consulate will be present to provide core consular services for Filipinos in the UAE (e.g., passport, notarial, and authentication services). MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE – DUBAI (MWO Dubai) MWO will assist with contract verification concerns and provide assistance to nationals. OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION (OWWA) OWWA will handle membership concerns and provide support for OFWs in need of welfare assistance. OWWA membership Issuance of OFW e-Card Acceptance of applications for Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) Welfare and other assistance DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY – PTIC Dubai DTI will support OFWs planning to start or expand their businesses through franchising and financial programs. Services: Franchising opportunities Business and financial literacy programs Loan assistance via SB Corp Loan Details: Qualified borrowers: OFW returnees, families, endorsed franchisees OFW returnees, families, endorsed franchisees Loanable amount: Up to 80% of total investment (maximum PHP 20 million) Up to 80% of total investment (maximum PHP 20 million) Interest rate: 0% for the first year, 1% per month thereafter 0% for the first year, 1% per month thereafter Term: Up to 3 years Up to 3 years Grace period: 1 year (inclusive in the term) Documentary Requirements: Government-issued ID Mayor's Business Permit DTI or SEC Registration Proof of Bank Account Reference codes from SBCorp's franchise association (if applicable) Corporate documents (if applicable) DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) DSWD will offer on-site counseling and support programs for OFWs and their families. Services: Information desk on DSWD programs and services for OFWs Psychosocial counseling Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Sustainable Livelihood Program Assistance to solo parents, minors traveling abroad, and trafficked persons SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) SSS will assist members with benefit applications, data updates, and online access. Services: Inquiries and verification Acceptance of Member Data Change Annual Confirmation of Pensioner (ACOP) Assistance on online services Benefits and Loans: Retirement Death Funeral Disability Sickness Maternity Unemployment Salary Loan Calamity Loan Pension Loan PAG-IBIG FUND Pag-IBIG will assist members with savings programs, loan applications, and housing-related services. Services: New member registration Membership, records, and account services Modified PAG-IBIG II (MP2) enrollment Housing loan consultation and inquiry Receiving of Multi-Purpose Loan applications PUBLIC ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (PAO) PAO will offer free legal advice and assistance for those who qualify under their services. Services: Legal representation and counselling in: Criminal cases Civil cases Labor cases Administrative cases Quasi-judicial matters If you're an OFW in Dubai looking to update your records, seek legal assistance, apply for a loan, or avail of any government program, this is your chance to do it all in one place, in one day. Be sure to bring the necessary documents and visit the Dubai World Trade Center on August 3, 2025.
Filipino Times
30-07-2025
- Filipino Times
Cebu Pacific passenger traffic up 25% on Dubai–Manila route in early 2025
Cebu Pacific reported a strong surge in travel demand on its Dubai–Manila route, carrying 40,000 more passengers in the first half of 2025. In an exclusive interview with Cebu Pacific, the airline said this represents a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth was attributed to strong demand, driven by low fares and expanded seat availability. Data showed that 17% of passengers on the Dubai–Manila route and 5% on the Manila–Dubai route were classified as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Most passengers were tourists, with the Dubai–Manila leg recording a higher tourist volume. To meet growing demand, the airline increased seat capacity on the Dubai route by 20% compared to last year. However, there are currently no plans to add more flights. The Gokongwei-led low-cost carrier also announced that it flew a total of 13.9 million passengers across its network in the first half of 2025, up from 11.5 million in the same period last year. Of this total, 10.35 million were Philippine domestic passengers while 3.54 million were international. 'For the first half of 2025, our load factors have increased despite seat growth of more than 20 percent. This reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within our network,' said Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of Cebu Pacific. However, Lao said the airline is reducing capacity in the second half of the year due to the off-peak travel season and to manage ongoing engine and supply chain challenges. He noted that capacity growth will remain steady in the third quarter and is expected to rise again in the fourth quarter. Cebu Pacific currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft and serves 37 Philippine domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline is set to receive more aircraft in 2025 to support its growing network, after adding 17 new aircraft last year.
