With all the significant contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the Philippine society, they surely deserve a special treatment and respect from the government and society.
 
The OFWs should be are aware that they are entitled to a number of special privileges. Check some of them in the list below:
 
Tax-Free Privileges:
 
OFWs are exempted from paying taxes such as documentary stamp tax (DST) in their remittances, travel tax and airport fee. Migrant workers enjoy this tax-free privilege because it is included in the revised Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.

To enjoy this privilege, OFWs need to show a proof of entitlement that can be obtained from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

Free Insurance Coverage:

Landbased and seabased OFWs are entitled to an insurance policy courtesy of the recruitment/manning agencies that had deployed them. As stated in Republic Act 10022, recruitment agencies are required to pay the insurance coverage of OFWs.

A landbased OFW should first present a certificate of cover (COC) provided by an insurance company licensed and certified by the Insurance Commission (IC) before he or she can be issued an overseas employment certificate (OEC) or exit clearance.

Seabased OFWs on the other hand must present a certificate of entry or other proofs of insurance coverage from the manning agency.

Free Language Courses:
 
The Language Skills Institute of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is offering free classes in Korean, Mandarin, Nipongo, Arabic and Spanish language. Classes are held at TESDA Complex, East Service Road, South Superhighway Taguig City. You can visit www.TESDA.gov.ph for
 
Free Online Counseling

There is a group that offers counseling services to OFWs for free. The group also made it easy for OFWs to avail their free service because the counseling can be done online by visiting OFWOnline.net

The free counseling service for OFWs is a project of the Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development (Ateneo CORD), formerly known as the Human Resources Center. Its mission is to ensure the effectiveness of organizations and communities and improve the quality of life of workers through research, training, and consulting.

Shopping Privileges at Duty Free

A returning OFW who have worked in a foreign country under an employment contract for more than six (6) months can shop at any Duty Free outlet within 15 days upon arrival and 30 days during Christmas season (November 15 to January 15).The said privilege is valid for one-time shopping only.

While the purchase limit for regular Filipino travelers and foreigners is USD1000, the purchase limit for OFWs and balikbayans is USD2,500. They are entitled to purchase one (1) unit per product category for electronics and appliances and USD2,000 for kabuhayan tools and equipment.

Do you happen to know other free benefits for our migrant workers? Do share them here by leaving a comment below!