How to Apply OEC Certificate in Australia

For OFWs in Australia, it is necessary to get your OEC if you’re vacationing in the Philippines due to emergency reasons or leisure and returning to work abroad to continue or extend your employment contract. Securing a valid OEC is essential since you’ll need it whenever exiting the Philippine airport for employment, be it your first time working abroad or returning to your previous employer and job site.

And if you’re wondering how to get OEC in Australia, we’ve boiled down everything you need to know about OEC, so keep reading.

Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Australia

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across the globe need to apply for their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) every time leaving the airport to work abroad.

This document serves as an exit clearance and should be presented by OFWs to immigration officers before they’re allowed to leave the Philippine airport. Without an OEC, OFWs cannot obtain employment and return to their job site. Thus, OFWs in Australia are encouraged to apply for their OEC when vacationing in the Philippines.

how to get an oec certificate in australia

Requirements

As stated by the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia, here are the requirements for vacationing OFWs applying for OEC at POLO Australia:

With proof of documentation

  • Duly-accomplished BM Information Sheet
  • Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
  • Copy of Valid Visa or Work Permit
  • Employment Contract verified by POLO Australia
  • Prepaid self-addressed envelope, preferably Express Post

Without proof of documentation

  • Duly-accomplished BM Information Sheet
  • Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
  • Copy of Valid Visa or Work Permit
  • Employment Contract
  • Prepaid self-addressed envelope, preferably Express Post
  • Do note that the mail the applicant will receive contains the following:
    • 4-copies of OEC
    • OEC Official Receipt
    • Verified Employment Contract (if applicable)
    • Verification of Contract Official Receipt, if applicable

Additional Documents

On the other hand, for workers without an Employment Contract verified by POLO Australia, you should first apply for Contract Verification since it is a requirement for OEC application. According to the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia, here are the following requirements for verification of Employment Contract for Name Hire/Direct Hire OFWs:

  • Original copy of Employment Contract and duly-accomplished Addendum with employer and workers signature on all pages
  • Original and photocopy of worker’s valid Passport
  • Original and photocopy of worker’s valid Visa or Work Permit
  • Original and photocopy of Company’s License or Business Registration
  • Original and photocopy of employers Driver’s License or valid Passport
  • Original and photocopy of Company Declaration or Certification

Processing Fees

When applying for OEC, OFWs need to pay the following applicable fees to POLO-Philippine Embassy via Australian Money Order or Bank Draft:

  • OEC processing fee of $5
  • POLO Verification fee of $18
  • OWWA membership fee of US$25.00 converted to AU$

Also, don’t purchase one money order for $23 since the POLO Verification fee and OEC processing fee are for two separate government accounts, which are non-transferable.

Qualifications

POEA issues OEC to certify that OFWs have legal work abroad and went through proper documentation. Aside from that, OFWs who possess OEC can access government protection, assistance, and benefits such as terminal fees and travel tax exemption. OFWs with OEC can also enjoy reduced travel tax if traveling with their spouse and dependents. So OEC is only issued to the following:

  • OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
  • OFWs hired by a recruitment agency
  • OFWs hired via POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP)
  • OFWs with existing POEA database records and returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa
  • OFWs with existing POEA database record returning to the same employer but in a different job site
  • OFWs without POEA database records or changes employers on-site

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Australia

For OFWs not qualified for OEC exemption, you need to book an appointment on POPS-BaM to apply for OEC. Booking an appointment is necessary for OEC issuance for workers returning to Australia to a different employer or job site. But before anything else, you need to register a POPS-BaM account to book an OEC appointment by following the steps below:

How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and Register.
  3. Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
  4. Fill out the required fields and click Register.
  5. Check your registered email on POPS-BaM and copy the provided Temporary Password.
  6. Input the Temporary Password and change it to your chosen password.
  7. Once you’ve logged in, click My Profile on the right of the dashboard.
  8. Fill out the required details.
  9. Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
  10. Fill out the Identification Details.
  11. Input your Beneficiary details.
  12. Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finish the account setup.

How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

If you already have a registered POPS-BaM account, ensure that your account setup is complete and contains accurate information to prevent issues during OEC processing. For those with old BM accounts, you should transfer your records to POPS-BaM. To do so, visit the POPS-BaM system and look for the DMW Helpdesk section. Next, click Transfer Old BM records and wait up to 8 hours to update your POPS-BaM account details. To book an OEC appointment in POPS-BaM, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
  3. On the dashboard, click Balik Manggagawa under My Links and click Next.
  4. If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.
  5. Input your flight date and click Next.
  6. If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer NO to the questions to proceed with the booking.
  7. Update the details on your contract and click Submit.
  8. Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
  9. Take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form.

How to Apply for OEC in POLO Australia

If you’re returning to a different employer or job site, you need to comply with the necessary documents listed above and send them to POLO Canberra, Australia, addressed to:

Atty. Rodolfo M Sabulao
Labor Attache II
Philippine Embassy, 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia

Afterward, wait for up to 7 working days from the date you mail your requirements, and you’ll also receive your OEC through the mail.

How to Get OEC Online in Australia

For Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site, applying for your OEC is much easier as you can get it online through POPS-BaM and also applies to returning workers hired by the GBP. The said workers are qualified for OEC exemption and can get OEC online. Also, Balik Manggagawa doesn’t need to submit any requirements and pay the OEC processing fees. To get OEC online, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
  3. If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to continue.
  4. Input your Flight Date and click Next.
  5. Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Mangggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
  6. Print your OEC online and request it within 60 days of your return flight date.

Video: WAG KA MUNA MAGRE-RESIGN | Detailed Steps in Getting OEC for Direct Hire

For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, OEC is like an exit permit required for OFWs leaving the country to work overseas. In addition, POEA requires the application for OEC to validate the worker’s documents, protect OFWs from exploitation and ensure the legitimacy of foreign employers who can employ and pay the salary of workers abroad.

So OEC doesn’t only provide benefits to OFWs but ensures work for a legit employer or company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Australia:

1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Australia?

To get an OEC exemption in Australia, first, you should be a Balik Manggagawa and have a registered POPS-BaM account. Log in to POPS-BaM and confirm you’re a Balik Manggagawa to get an OEC exemption in Australia.

2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

To book an OEC appointment online, you should register a POPS-BaM account. Then, indicate that you’re returning to a different employer or job site to proceed with booking an OEC appointment.

3. Can I get OEC in Australia without an appointment?

As of writing, yes, you can get OEC in Australia without an appointment since the application is via mail to POLO Canberra. However, check their latest procedure as it may change from time to time.

4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

Yes, you can get OEC at the airport, especially if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.

5. How long is OEC valid?

OEC is only valid for 60 days.

6. How much is the OEC fee in Australia?

The OEC processing fee in Australia is $5.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

No, since an active OWWA membership is necessary when applying for OEC.

Summary

Overall, applying for OEC in Australia is quite different from other countries since the process involves mailing the requirements to POLO Canberra. But it is also convenient for OFWs as they may submit their employment documents based on their available time.

s for Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site, you can still get your OEC online in Australia via POPS-BaM.

Contact Details

POLO-OWWA Canberra, Australia
Operating Hours: 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone Number: +61 262732535 / 36
Email: poloaustralia@philembassy.org.au, cbrpe@philembassy.org.au
Website: https://www.philembassy.org.au/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHinAustralia

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