For OFWs who are planning to go abroad to work or get overseas employment, here’s what you need to know about the Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC.
What is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?
The Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC is being issued by the POEA or Philippine Overseas Employment Agency as the OFW travel exit clearance at the airport and immigration counters.
It also serves as the basis of exemption for OFWs’ payment of travel tax and airport terminal fees.
The OEC also help ensure that OFWs are properly documented and protected.
Only Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are required to get an OEC:
- Work permit holders such as Household Service Workers
- S-Pass
- E-Pass
- EP holders
What are the requirements for the issuance of OEC?
1. Household Service Workers (HSW)
- 2 copies printed appointment sheet
- Valid Embassy verified employment contract
- Original Work Permit plus 2 photocopies
- Original Passport plus 2 photocopies
- Proof of valid OWWA membership
- Updated receipt of Pag-IBIG Fund membership contribution
2. S-Pass / E-Pass (Employment Pass)
- 2 copies printed appointment sheet
- Original Work Pass plus 2 photocopies
- Original Passport plus 2 photocopies
- Proof of valid OWWA membership
- Updated receipt of Pag-IBIG Fund membership contribution
3. Personalized Employment Pass
- 2 copies printed appointment sheet
- Original Employment Contract for PEP holders
- Original Work Pass plus 2 photocopies
- Original Passport plus 2 photocopies
- Proof of valid OWWA membership
- Updated receipt of Pag-IBIG Fund membership contribution
Where and When to file an OEC?
For First Time Applicants, getting an appointment for OEC can be done through bmonline.ph.
What is a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Online Processing System?
BM Online Processing System is a web-based facility that enables the Balik-Manggagawa (BM) or vacationing OFW to apply online for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).The approved OEC can be printed by anywhere and anytime.
BM Online aims to expedite the issuance of OEC to vacationing OFWs who will return to their respective foreign employers or principals.
When to File the OEC Application at the Philippine Embassy?
The OEC application can be filed at windows 3 & 4 of the Philippine Embassy from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
How long does it take to process an OEC?
During ordinary days (except peak season), processing of the OEC may take 20 to 30 minutes provided your documentary requirements are complete.
FAQs about OEC
Question: If I am a Filipino Citizen and I want to travel abroad, do I still need to secure an OEC?
Answer: If you intend to travel abroad for employment purposes, you need to secure an OEC, regardless of the mode of deployment.
Question: If I am a permanent resident visa holder in the USA, do I have to secure an OEC?
Answer: No. Only those who are leaving the country as workers with work/employment visa are required to secure an OEC or exit clearance. However, permanent residents or immigrants should register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
Question: Does OEC have an expiration date or does it expire?
Answer: Yes. OECs expire 60 days after its issuance, except for OECs issued by LAC (Labor Assistance Center located at every airport in the country) which expire in a DAY.
Question: Who can only secure OEC issued by LAC?
Answer: The Administration may issue OEC at the LAC ONLY to the following:
- Workers on special or emergency leave
- Cabin crew or flight attendants
Question: What shall I do in case I lost my BM ONLINE OEC? How about the regular BM OEC or E-receipt?
Answer: In case of Online BM OEC, you may log in to your account and re-print your OEC. For a regular BM OEC or E-receipt, you cannot apply for a replacement. You should request for a certification indicating the particulars of previously issued e-receipt or OEC based on available POEA/POLO records upon submission of an Affidavit of Loss.
Question: I am a Balik- Manggagawa worker, I tried to secure a BM OEC Online, but the system re-directed me to the Appointment Page with an instruction to undergo personal regular processing, what could have possibly happened?
Answer: The use of BM ONLINE is only for workers who are returning to the same employer and job site, with employment visa/work permit, previous record with the POEA Data Base (Information Sheet) and those who have previously issued OEC or E-receipt under the same principal/employer. Thus, if you are re-directed to the Appointment Page despite being a Balik-Manggawa, you may have been tagged under any of the following conditions:
- No POEA record/ No record Found/ With Discrepancy in the Record
- Undocumented worker or irregular worker (Tourist to OFW, Student to OFW etc)
- Worker is under POEA watchlist
- Principal/Employer is POEA watchlist
- Change of Employer or Jobsite
- Seabased to Land-based worker
- Worker returning to Banned Country, Non-Compliant Country or Restricted Country
Question: Can I request for multiple OEC online?
Answer: No. The System will allow you one OEC at a time. You need to use your valid OEC first before you can request for another OEC.
Question: I already got my OEC online, do I need to go to the POEA office?
Answer: No. Just print your OEC in 3 copies. Your OEC will serve as your travel exit clearance and the basis for tax and terminal fee exemption.
Click here to read:
Jd flora says
If I’m a balik manggagawa worker and tried ba online but was redirected to have a personal regular processing, been staying for 3 years alreasy our of the country, been changing job sites already for several times, what documents shall I be needing to submit to ensure that my oec will be processed efficiently with no hassle, What are the process to should I undertake when I go for a vacation? Hope to hear for your reponse on this inquiry