BOC rolls out X-ray lanes for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — Dedicated X-ray lanes for overseas Filipino workers will be opened at key international airports, as part of efforts to provide faster and more convenient organized customs processing for returning and departing OFWs, the Bureau of Customs said.

According to the BOC, the initiative is being implemented at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 and at Clark International Airport, where designated X-ray lanes have been made available specifically for OFWs undergoing customs inspection and baggage examination.

The BOC said the dedicated lanes are aimed at facilitating passenger flow, reducing unnecessary waiting time and providing OFWs with a more streamlined customs experience while ensuring compliance with existing customs laws and procedures.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the BOC would progressively roll out the initiative to other international airports and passenger terminals across the country to make the service more accessible to OFWs.

“We recognize the important contributions of our OFWs, not only to their families but also to our country. Through these dedicated X-ray lanes, we want to make their passage through Customs faster, smoother and more convenient. We aim to expand this initiative to other international gateways so that more OFWs can benefit from better services,” he said.

He added that the initiative forms part of the BOC’s broader modernization and passenger service initiatives, which leverage technology and streamlined procedures to improve passenger experience while maintaining effective border protection and customs enforcement.