Saudi-based overseas Filipino workers flying back to the Kingdom can benefit from the Department of Migrant Workers’ e-Verify system, which allows participating airlines at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to digitally check an OFW’s travel clearance.
As of September 2026, 37 airlines at NAIA accept the digital OFW Pass through e-Verify, according to DMW.
The system can make check-in easier while also helping qualified OFWs receive their applicable airport terminal fee exemption or refund.
This is useful for workers returning to Saudi Arabia after spending their vacation in the Philippines.
How e-Verify Works at NAIA
Instead of depending only on printed documents, participating airline staff can use e-Verify to confirm whether a passenger has a valid OFW travel clearance.
The OFW presents their passport and digital OFW Pass during check-in.
The airline can then verify the worker’s information electronically through the DMW system.
DMW says the OFW Travel Pass can serve as additional proof of overseas employment for airline and airport-related transactions, including applicable travel tax and terminal fee exemptions.
The Travel Pass is available through the eGovPH app for eligible workers.
What Happens to the Terminal Fee?
Qualified OFWs are exempt from Philippine travel tax and airport terminal fees upon proper proof of entitlement.
However, an OFW may find that the terminal fee has already been included in the airline ticket.
In this situation, the worker may be entitled to the applicable refund instead.
The e-Verify system helps participating airlines digitally confirm the passenger’s OFW status so the exemption or refund can be handled where applicable.
OFWs should still check their booking and ask their airline about the refund process because procedures may depend on the carrier and how the ticket was purchased.
Check e-Verify Before Returning to Saudi Arabia
Before heading to NAIA, Saudi-based OFWs should make sure their DMW information is updated.
Eligible workers can access their digital Travel Pass through eGovPH > National Government Agencies > DMW > Balik-Manggagawa > Travel Pass.
Workers whose employment information has expired may need to update their employer and jobsite details first.
DMW also says printed OFW Passes issued through its existing services remain recognized as valid exit clearances and proof of overseas employment.
What Saudi OFWs Should Know
The terminal fee exemption is based on a traveler’s status as a qualified OFW, not on Saudi Arabia being the destination.
Workers returning to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or elsewhere in the Kingdom should check their DMW records before departure, keep their passport and OFW Pass available, and ask the airline about the applicable exemption or refund if a terminal fee was already collected.