New dedicated wing for OFWs opens at NAIA Terminal 3
The Bureau of Immigration announced the opening of a dedicated wing for overseas Filipino workers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
On its website, the BI said the wing would ensure faster and more efficient immigration processing for OFWs traveling abroad.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado took note of the immigration area's expansion, which includes six additional counter spaces manned by 12 immigration officers.
Viado said this will help decongest processing lines, especially during peak travel seasons.
The commissioner noted that the change has resulted in shorter queues of departing passengers, including Filipino and foreign tourists, who are processed in the airport’s regular immigration counters.
“This dedicated OFW wing is a testament to our commitment to making immigration procedures smoother and more efficient for our modern-day heroes,” Viado said. “We recognize their sacrifices, and we want to ensure they experience faster and more convenient processing as they leave for work abroad.”
The BI noted that the move comes in time for long holidays in April, "traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year." April 17 is Maundy Thursday and April 18 is Good Friday, as part of the Holy Week, the Christian church's time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.
According to the BI, an average of 3,400 OFWs depart from NAIA every day.
“This is just one of the many steps we are taking to modernize immigration services,” Viado said. “We will continue working with our partners to enhance facilities and ensure that our kababayans receive the best possible service when they travel.”
Viado said the government continues to prioritize measures that enhance ease of travel while ensuring border security.
