How to Apply OEC Certificate in Bahrain

If you’re an OFW in Bahrain, keeping a valid OEC every time vacationing in the Philippines and returning to work overseas is necessary. OEC is a required document to secure overseas employment and confirm the legality of your recruitment. So if you’re wondering how to apply for OEC in Bahrain, keep reading.

Also Read: OWWA Appointment Membership Bahrain

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) offices to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are legal and documented workers.

In addition, OEC is an exit clearance required for OFWs and checked by the immigration officers in the Philippines before allowing their departure for overseas work. That’s why OFWs should apply for an OEC if going home to the Philippines for vacation and returning to Bahrain to work.

apply oec certificate in manama bahrain

Requirements

For OFWs who are vacationing in the Philippines and returning to work in Bahrain or first time to apply for OEC, here are the following requirements you must secure according to the Embassy of the Philippines in Manama, Bahrain:

OFWs vacationing to the Philippines and returning to Bahrain with the same employer:

  • Photocopy of last issued OEC
  • POLO Verified Employment Contract
  • Proof of existing employment such as Certificate of Employment, Company ID, or latest payslip
  • Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket

OFWs that came to Bahrain with a tourist or visit visa, exited the Philippines going to another country, changed job site, or transferred locally:

  • Two original copies of valid Employment Contract (EC) with sponsor’s signature and Company logo stamp on each page
  • Printed Contingency Plan with company letterhead, company stamp, and employer’s signature or authorized signatory
  • Printed Certificate of Employment (COE) with company letterhead, company stamp, and employer’s signature or authorized signatory
  • Photocopy of Commercial Registration (CR)
  • Photocopy of Employer or Company’s Authorized Signatory CPR in the COE and EC
  • Photocopy of Employee’s CPR
  • Photocopy of Valid Visa or Residence Permit (RP)
  • Original and two photocopies of Passport valid for at least six months before the date of departure
  • Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket
  • Letter from the employer verifying the worker’s transfer of job site (for OFWs returning to the same employer but in a different job site)
  • Sworn Statement explaining the employment process
  • Affidavit of Undertaking for Drivers

Remember that the stated requirements should be in two sets for all applicants.

Processing Fees

If the submitted documents are valid and complete, the following are the applicable fees to pay to get an OEC:

  • OEC fee of BD 1
  • Contract Verification fee of BD 4
  • OWWA Membership fee of BD 9.5

Make sure to renew your OWWA membership to get an OEC. Also, the verification of employment contracts is subject to POLO Bahrain’s minimum labor standards.

Qualifications

OEC does not only serve as a verification document to ensure workers leaving the country have legal employment and go through the proper documentation procedure. It also ensures that OFWs receive varying benefits from the Philippine government. So POEA and POLO will only issue OEC to the following individuals:

  • OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
  • OFWs hired via a recruitment agency
  • OFWs hired via POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP)
  • OFWs returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa
  • OFWs returning to the same employer but in a different location in Bahrain
  • All Filipinos that came to Bahrain and later on obtained employment and work visas

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Bahrain

As stated on the Embassy of the Philippines in Manama, Bahrain, website, the premise is only open to applicants with an appointment. Thus, it is necessary to book an appointment at the new online processing system POPS-BaM.

OFWs qualified to secure an OEC can also register a POPS-BaM account and request an appointment after verifying documents at the POLO Bahrain office. So creating a POPS-BaM e-Registration account is required to book an OEC appointment with POLO Bahrain.

Furthermore, ensure that your OWWA membership status is active and you have a POLO verified employment contract. If not, you must process the two since it is a prerequisite for applying for an OEC. And if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account yet, follow these steps:

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

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. Click Let’s Go and Register under the e-Registration section.
  3. Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
  4. Fill out the necessary information and click Register.
  5. Copy the Temporary Password sent to the email you registered on POPS-BaM.
  6. Go back to the POPS-BaM website and log in with your registered email address.
  7. Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
  8. On the dashboard, click My Profile and provide the required details.
  9. Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
  10. Fill out the Identification Details.
  11. Enter your Beneficiary details.
  12. Upload a Profile Picture and a clear photo of your Passport to finish your profile’s setup.

How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

After creating and completing your POPS-BaM account profile, you can proceed with booking an OEC appointment with the POLO Bahrain office. But if you already have an old BM account visit the POPS-BaM website and look for the POEA helpdesk section.

Then, click Transfer Old BM record to update and match the details to your newly registered POPS-BaM account. After creating the account and transferring your old BM records, wait for 2-6 hours before making any transaction. So to book an OEC appointment in POPS-BaM, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. Click Let’s Go on the e-Registration section.
  3. On the dashboard page, look for My Links on the right. Tap Balik Manggagawa and click Next.
  4. Ensure that your account has complete data. If not, provide the missing data to proceed.
  5. Then, input your Flight Date and click Next.
  6. If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer and job site, answer NO to the questions to proceed with booking.
  7. Update or make necessary changes to the details of your contract and click Submit.
  8. Select a Processing Site for the appointment and click Next.
  9. Afterward, take a screenshot or print your confirmed booking appointment schedule.

How to Apply for OEC in POLO Bahrain

OFWs returning to Bahrain with a different employer or changes on-site should apply for an OEC at the POLO Bahrain office. However, POLO Bahrain will not issue an OEC to OFWs who originally arrived in the nation with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa or exited the Philippines to another country.

Instead, they should personally apply for an OEC in the POEA offices in the Philippines for proper documentation. POLO Bahrain will only verify their employment contract based on minimum Labor standards since it’s a requirement to apply for OEC in the Philippines. And to apply for OEC in POLO Bahrain, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the POLO Bahrain office and show your confirmed appointment schedule (if applicable).
  2. Proceed to the receptionist and present the required documents.
  3. Fill out the forms handed in by the reception officer.
  4. Wait for the Labor Attache to verify your documents.
  5. After the verification, OFWs may register for a POPS-BaM account on-site.
  6. Pay the applicable fees and wait for the issuance of your OEC.

How to Get OEC Online in Bahrain

Getting an OEC online in Bahrain is only qualified for OFWs considered Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer to continue or extend their employment contract.

They are also allowed to avail of OEC exemption and are no longer required to submit documents for verification and pay the OEC fee. So if you’re returning to Bahrain with a different employer or change employers on-site, you’re not qualified to get the OEC online and the exemption. To do so, follow these steps:

1.     Visit the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.

2.     On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.

3.     If your profile lacks data, provide the missing data to proceed.

4.     Input your Flight Date and click Next.

5.     Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Mangaggawa or returning to the same employer.

6.     Print your OEC online. Also, ensure to only request OEC 60 days within your confirmed return flight date.

Video: New URL nang bagong OEC Platform

As stated in the video, the previous link of the POPS-BaM system is currently not working. It is because the platform has a new URL. Nonetheless, the system in the latest URL is the same, so you can follow the guide above to register a POPS-BaM account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out these common questions and answers about the OEC certificate application process in Bahrain:                                     

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

You can get an OEC exemption in Bahrain if you’re a Balik Manggagawa and register on the POPS-BaM system.

2. How can I get OEC online in Bahrain?

You can only get OEC online if you’re a Balik Manggagawa. If yes, follow the steps above to get your OEC online.

3. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

You can book an OEC appointment online via the POPS-BaM system.

4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

You can get an OEC in the Philippine airport if on emergency leave or with a confirmed flight booking.

5. How long is OEC valid?

OEC is only valid for 60 days upon issuance.

6. How much is the OEC fee in Bahrain?

The OEC fee in Bahrain is BD 1.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

No, you need an active OWWA membership before applying for an OEC.

Summary

To sum up, OFWs can easily apply for OEC as long as they comply with the required documents. Moreover, OFWs considered Balik Manggagawa are encouraged to secure their OEC online since its more convenient and prevents crowding of applicants in the embassy.

So for OFWs vacationing for less than 60 days in the Philippines, apply for OEC in the POLO Bahrain office. If exceeding 60 days, get your OEC in the Philippines before returning to Bahrain.

Contact Details

MWO POLO Office Bahrain
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: Villa No. 939, Road 3220, Block 332, Mahooz, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Hotline (24/7 Duty Officer): 38072476
Telephone: +973 17740951
Email: polobahrain@yahoo.com
Website: https://manamape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHLinBahrain/

Google Map Location

Below is a map guide to the location of the POLO-OWWA office in Manama, Bahrain for the OEC certificate:

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