Here are all the requirements, process, and techniques.
If there is one thing every aspiring overseas Filipino worker (OFW) should be familiar with, it is the process of getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Without this, applying for a job abroad would not be an option.
Imposed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the OEC acts as a clearance for OFWs to exit the country to work abroad. It is shown at the immigration to prove that one is a legal overseas worker. With this, the OEC also exempts OFWs from paying the terminal fee and travel tax at the airport. The OEC is also a document that will aid OFWs if ever they apply for loans in the Philippines.
Candidates for overseas work can obtain their OEC through a recruitment agency. If you have yet to find a recruitment agency to aid your application process, register at WorkAbroad.ph as an OFW candidate. WorkAbroad.ph has over 800 recruitment agencies licensed by POEA. The website posts the latest job opportunities for its members.
On the other hand, if you opt to apply through direct hiring, you will need to know the following about getting an OEC.
Validity
As of writing, the OEC is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. However, if your work permit expires before the 60-day period, you will have to obtain a new OEC. OFWs will be required to present the OEC every time they exit an airport.
Note: If your OEC expires while you’re abroad, you can apply for an OEC from your work destination so that you can return to the Philippines.
Basic requirements
- Online appointment information sheet print-out (for returning OFWs)
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Proof of employment (i.e. employment contract)
- Work visa or any equivalent document
Other requirements
According to the POEA checklist for professional and skilled workers, here are the documentary requirements for direct hires:
According to the POEA checklist for professional and skilled workers, here are the documentary requirements for direct hires:
Requirements for Phase 1:
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Work visa or any equivalent document
- Employment contract
- Company profile
- Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) endorsement letter
- Additional documents to support job application
Requirements for Phase 2:
- E-Registration account
- Medical certificate (from DOH-accredited clinic)
- Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar Certificate
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Certificate
- POEA clearance
- Proof of certificate of insurance coverage
Depending on the what and where you are applying for, there may be additional requirements that you will have to submit. Do further research or scan through articles in WorkAbroad.ph to learn more about this.
Fees
- POEA Processing - ?100
- OWWA Membership - US$25
- PhilHealth - ?2,400 annually
- Pag-IBIG - at least ?100 per month
- E-Payment Portal (for online processing) - ?19.50
Process
After you have gathered all the required documents for Phase 1, head to any POEA office. Submit the requirements. Once you are cleared for Phase 1, compile all the requirements for Phase 2. Afterwards, head to the POEA office again to submit your requirements. Wait for the office to process your OEC.
After you have gathered all the required documents for Phase 1, head to any POEA office. Submit the requirements. Once you are cleared for Phase 1, compile all the requirements for Phase 2. Afterwards, head to the POEA office again to submit your requirements. Wait for the office to process your OEC.
For returning OFWs, you may obtain your OEC online through the Balik-Manggagawa online appointment system here. Schedule your appointment. Head to POEA (if in the Philippines) or POLO of your work destination and submit the required documents. After this, you will be asked to pay the fees and charges before you receive your new OEC.