(Updated on October 31, 2023)
What is OEC?
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is an exit clearance document that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including domestic helpers, need to exit the Philippines to work abroad. Besides serving as a record of exiting OFWs and verifying them as legal overseas workers, it allows them to be exempted from paying the terminal fee and travel tax at the airport. This lowers the costs for them to get employed. The document also allows OFWs to have a higher chance to get loans in their home country.
Validity
The OEC is valid for 60 days after issuance, or for 1 day if it is issued from the Labor Assistance Counter (LAC) at the NAIA, Cebu-Mactan, or Davao International Airport.
Any OEC is valid only for a single exit from the Philippines.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Register/log-in to the system
To apply for OEC, domestic helpers have to have an account on the Balik-ManggagawaOnline Processing System online. They will then need to log into this portal for each new OEC permit. The workers will have to pay for a processing fee and receive their OEC during the appointment.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment online
Select Online Appointment on the platform. Choose an office location and the date and time. Applicants can have the appointment before departure at the Philippines Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Hong Kong, or after at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) office in the Philippines.
Step 3: Go to the appointment and get OEC
Bring along these documents to your appointment:
- Appointment Sheet (2 copies)
- Notarized Employment Contract (1 copy)
- Work Visa (original plus 2 copies)
- Philippine passport (original plus 2 copies)
- OWWA membership fee receipt
Cost
The fee for OEC processing in Hong Kong is HK$20. If selecting to process the OEC in the Philippines at a POEA office, the processing costs 100 PHP.
If registered before
Applicants are required to fill in their most recent OEC numbers if they have registered before. The ‘Record found’ message will be shown after the number is entered, then applicants should follow these steps:
- Update Information
- Select Acquire OEC or Exemption.
- Input the date of departure from the Philippines to Hong Kong.
- If returning to the same employer and job site, the applicant will receive a confirmation notice stating an OEC is not needed.
- Print the exemption message and bring this when departing.
Apply at the airport
Domestic helpers who are on an emergency leave of five days or less with confirmed flight booking can get an OEC on their departure date at the NAIA, Cebu-Mactan, or Davao International Airport. The fee is 100 PHP. A valid work visa, OWWA membership fee receipt and copy of their employment contract will be needed for processing the OEC.
Exemption
Appointments at POLO or POEA are not required if a domestic helper has
- registered to the online platform before,
- her previous OEC number, and
- is returning to the same employer and job place.
They will just have to print out the confirmation notice after submitting the application online. They do not have to pay for the processing fee.
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FAQs
ISSUANCE OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE (OEC)
All departing OFWs, whether new hires or Balik Manggagawa are required to secure an Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) which shall serve as exit clearance and as exemption from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee.
How do I get OEC certification? ›
The course is offered through local patrols and resorts. It includes content knowledge and hands-on skills training and evaluation. Participants earn a two-year certification. There is no refresher requirement for this course; renewal courses are offered with no national course fee.
What is the OEC document in the Philippines? ›
An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document required under the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) from all Filipinos departing the Philippines for overseas employment, whether as a new hire or a Balik Manggagawa – a Filipino worker returning to the same employer abroad.
Where can I get my OEC certificate? ›
The OEC is valid for a single exit and its validity period is 60 days from issuance. You can secure your OEC through walk-in applications at POEA's main office, regional offices, or Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in the country of employment, or through online systems like the Balik-Manggagawa Online System.
How long does it take to get OEC in Philippines? ›
It depends on what stage of the application process you are at. The OEC takes about 2-4 weeks after lodging the application. Direct Hire / Balik Manggagawa OFW Compulsory Insurance Coverage depends on the Visa approval, but it usually takes about a month.
Why do we need OEC? ›
The OEC is an exit clearance for migrant domestic helpers leaving the Philippines to work abroad. This document is issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The OEC is proof that the Philippines government allows the helper to work overseas.
How much is the fee for OEC certificate? ›
In the Philippine, it can be obtained through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and other authorized processing centers. BMs can also acquire OECs from Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their worksite countries. OEC's are processed on-site and in itself cost ₱100.
How long is an OEC course? ›
OEC Courses involve a mix of self-study and hands-on practice sessions that together typically take 120 hours to complete. Outdoor Emergency Care courses serve as the entry point for people wishing to join a patrol, either as a volunteer or as paid staff.
How much does it cost to get OEC? ›
OEC fees: POEA processing fee - PHP 100 per e-receipt/OEC. OWWA membership fee - USD 25 (or its PHP equivalent) Pag-IBIG contribution - Minimum of PHP 100 each month.
Do I need to print my OEC? ›
The BM Exemption number is your transaction number generated by the system and transmitted by the system through the link with the Immigration Officer showing that you are exempted from securing OEC. Is there a need to print the BM Exemption Number and present to the Immigration Officer on the date of my departure? No.
Log in | OEC. Enter your OEC username. Enter the password that accompanies your username. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
What is overseas employment? ›
(h) "Overseas employment" means employment of a worker outside the Philippines. (i) "Emigrant" means any person, worker or otherwise, who emigrates to a foreign country by virtue of an immigrant visa or resident permit or its equivalent in the country of destination.
Can I get OEC without verified contract? ›
Once your employment details/ contract has been updated, you may now generate an OEC automatically from your ERegistration account. However, if you don't have a verified contract yet, kindly book an appointment and submit all the documents at the Philippine Embassy located at Level 16, (Lobby B)
How many times can I use OEC? ›
Validity Period: Once issued, an OEC is valid for sixty (60) days, one (1) day for OECs issued by the Labor Assistance Centers (LACs) at the airports. In case of lost Balik Manggagawa E-receipt/OEC: One cannot apply for a new E-Receipt/OEC as replacement for lost e-receipt/OEC.
How to apply for OEC exemption online? ›
Click Acquire OEC or Exemption for online assessment. Enter the flight date and confirm if returning and working for the same employer. A message will display in the system stating the worker is exempted from paying a processing fee and securing an OEC if returning to the same employer.
What does OEC stand for legal? ›
The Office of Employment Counsel (OEC) is responsible for ensuring that all Division personnel programs, policies, and practices comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the merit system principles and ...
What is full of OEC? ›
In the state, the most backward communities from among the Other Backward Communities are grouped as Other Eligible Communities (OEC).
How can I get OEC if I have the same employer? ›
If you are returning to the same employer and jobsite, you may avail of the OEC exemption by registering thru the POEA Online Processing System direct link https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx.
What is the full form of OEC in business? ›
Beginning from assembly line management, Zhang learned Taylorism, and created what is known as 'OEC Management'. O stands for Overall, E for Everyone, Everything, Every day, and C for Control and Clear.
