MANILA, April 6 (PNA) — Filipinos who are traveling overseas under an employment visa have been advised to secure the necessary Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) prior to departure.
In a statement, BI spokesperson Elaine Tan reminded the public to secure the OEC from the said government agency to ensure a worry-free travel.
“The BI implements the Guidelines on departure formalities issued by the Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). Under Part II of the guidelines, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) must possess an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) upon departure,” she said.
The BI issued the statement following the complaints by the internet gaming community on the deferred departure of members of the Philippine Dota team 2, Rave, last Saturday.
Tan noted that the three passengers traveling under Filipino passports carried Korean E-6 visas, which is a working visa issued for those who are seeking to make profit through entertainment, sports, and the like.
“We are coordinating with the POEA to make the process easier for the public, so as not to cause any inconvenience to the travelers. Right now, we must implement the guidelines,” she added.
On the other hand, the POEA explained that cyber gamers just like athletes does not need to apply for clearance.
“I can say that athletes, including cyber gamers, are exempted from securing a POEA clearance,” said POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac in his Twitter account @hansleocacdac.
On Saturday, Team Rave’s Mark “Cast” Pilar, Djardel “Chrissy” Mampusti and Ryo “ryOyr” Hasegawa were barred from leaving due to alleged lack of proper travel.
The three Filipinos are supposed to fly to South Korea where they are set to train and join several international competitions. (PNA)