Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom expressed joy at the deferment of the mandatory 550 Philippine peso airport terminal fee on departing Filipino travellers a day before its implementation but have yet to see it realized.

OFWs were overwhelmed with the success of uniting together against the policy, regarded by many as a money-making scheme. They also consider it unfair to OFWs who contribute heavily to the national economy with remittances amounting to a total of $22 billion annually.

On July 1, 2014, an agreement between the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), a government agency adjunct to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and airline carriers, was inked stipulating the integration of the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) otherwise known as terminal fee with the airfare cost.

A memorandum from MIAA dated Oct. 31, 2014 addressing all airlines and concerned airports stakeholders said that the Nov. 1, 2014 date for the implementation of the IPSC is hereby deferred until further notice.

However, according to recent reports, OFWs are still required to pay the mandatory airport terminal fees.

Global opposition of the OFWs to the new fees has prompted the campaign being taken to social media networks with a cover photo of supporters against the new regulation.

A Riyadh-based online group asked its members to join a campaign to exempt OFWs from paying the airport fees pointing out that despite the recently introduced exemption, OFWs were still required to do so.

The campaign has also received support from various NGO groups and even some Filipino senators.