Whether you’re a first-time or returning overseas Filipino worker, securing your OEC is necessary whenever vacationing in the Philippines for leisure or emergency reasons and returning to your job site to fulfill or extend your employment contract. OEC serves as a pass to leave the country and proof of legal work abroad. So if you’re an OFW in Brunei wondering how to get your OEC, read our in-depth guide below.
As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is one of the most necessary documents you must secure when leaving the country for employment reasons. With the OEC, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), now called as Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), can ensure that you have a legal employer that protects you from exploitation.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Brunei
Furthermore, OEC is an exit clearance you should present to immigration officers before you’re permitted to leave the Philippine airport and head to your job site. That’s why OFWs in Brunei are encouraged to get OEC at POLO Brunei to prevent issues during return flight dates.
Contents
Requirements
For OFWs in Brunei planning to vacation in the Philippines and returning to their work to fulfill or extend their contract, here are the documentary requirements you should secure as per DMW:
For Household Service Workers and workers returning to the same employer and job site to fulfill or extend their employment contract
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Proof of active OWWA membership such as official receipt and certificate of coverage
For workers with existing DMW records returning to the same employer but in a different job site
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Letter from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site
For workers without existing DMW records and those who have changed employers on-site
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
On the contrary, OFWs with Employment Contract not yet verified by POLO Brunei should first request Contract Verification to get OEC. So inquire with POLO Brunei regarding the documentary requirements and fees for Contract Verification.
Processing Fees
To get your OEC, here are the applicable fees you should pay at POLO Brunei, converted to Brunei dollar based on the foreign exchange rate:
- OEC processing fee of P100
- OWWA membership fee of US$25
Qualifications
Apart from protecting OFWs from exploitation, OEC also entitles them to government benefits, including travel tax and terminal fees exemption. OFWs traveling with their spouses and dependents carrying a valid OEC can also avail of reduced travel tax. So DMW and POLO issue OEC to the following qualified workers:
- OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
- OFWs who acquired employment via a recruitment agency
- OFWs hired via DMW’s Government Placement Branch (GBP)
- OFWs with existing DMW database records and returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa
- OFWs with existing DMW database record returning to the same employer but in a different job site
- OFWs without DMW database records or changes employers on-site
However, DMW states that Filipinos holding the following status are no longer required to apply for OEC:
- Immigrant
- Permanent Resident
- Dependent/Spouse of Foreign National
- Intra-Company Transferee
- Vacationing OFWs visiting other countries, except their job site
- Trainee
- US J1 Visa holder/ Cultural Exchange Programs
- Other Non-OFW Status as evaluated
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Brunei
Similar to the process from DMW and other POLO across the globe, OFWs required to apply for their OEC on-site should book an appointment ahead of their visit. Moreover, those without records on DMW online database should first register a POPS-BaM account to book an appointment. And if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account, follow the steps below to register:
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and Register.
- Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the required fields and click Register.
- Check your registered email on POPS-BaM and copy the provided Temporary Password.
- Input the Temporary Password and change it to your chosen password.
- Once you’ve logged in, click My Profile on the right of the dashboard.
- Fill out the required details.
- Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
- Fill out the Identification Details.
- Input your Beneficiary details.
- Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finish the account setup.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
Once you’ve registered a POPS-BaM account, ensure that your employment details are correct and updated to avoid delays during OEC processing. But if you have an old BM account, you should transfer your records on POPS-BaM by visiting the DMW Online Services Portal. Look for the DMW Helpdesk section and click Transfer old BM record. Wait for up to 8 hours to match your records and book an OEC appointment by following the steps below:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
- On the dashboard, click Balik Manggagawa under My Links and click Next.
- If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.
- Input your flight date and click Next.
- 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.
- Update the details on your contract and click Submit.
- Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
- Take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Brunei
If you’re returning to a different employer and job site, changed employers, or without existing records on the DMW workers database, you should visit POEA or POLO for OEC issuance. Nonetheless, POLO Brunei will not issue the OEC to OFWs who don’t have verified Employment Contracts, existing DMW records, and arrived in Brunei only possessing a tourist or visit visa and acquired a work visa.
Instead, those workers should first request a Contract Verification from POLO Brunei and apply for OEC in any DMW office in the Philippines. Also, OFWs in Brunei can get their OEC by participating in Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Embassy and POLO. For the schedule, check the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei. To apply for OEC in POLO Brunei, follow the steps below:
- Visit POLO Brunei on your appointment date.
- Proceed to the receptionist and get the necessary forms to fill out.
- Submit the requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and other documents.
How to Get OEC Online in Brunei
For workers in Brunei returning to the same employer and job site or hired by GBP, DMW recommends getting an OEC exemption via POPS-BaM. With the OEC exemption, you can get OEC online and no longer have to pay the processing fees. So to get OEC online in Brunei, follow the steps below:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to continue.
- Input your Flight Date and click Next.
- Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Mangggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
- Print your OEC online and ensure to only request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: What is OEC/Overseas Employment Certification?
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As stated in the video, OEC is a necessary document for OFWs leaving the country since it verifies that an individual is a legal worker abroad. The OEC processing fee is also very affordable, costing only P100 but packed with benefits. Thus, OFWs should keep a valid OEC and take advantage of its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Brunei:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Brunei?
You can get an OEC exemption in Brunei through a POPS-BaM account, but you should be a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Log in to your POPS-BaM account to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in Brunei without an appointment?
An appointment is necessary to get OEC in POLO Brunei.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the airport given that you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Brunei?
The OEC fee in Brunei is P100, converted to Brunei dollar.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
An active OWWA membership is essential for OEC issuance.
Summary
To sum up, the OEC helps the government ensure OFWs’ safety while working abroad and provides them with assistance and benefits. Also, returning workers don’t have to pay the OEC processing fees while accessing travel tax and terminal fees exemption. Thus, OFWs in Brunei should get their OEC before the flight to their job site.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA Brunei
Operating Hours: 8:00 am-12:00pm, 1pm-5pm, Mondays to Fridays
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Jalan Kebangsaan, Simpang 336-17, Bandar Seri Begawan BA2312, Brunei
Telephone Numbers: 2241465, 2241466
Direct Line: 2237052 (Labor), 2225526 (OWWA), 2221173 (SSS)
Labor Hotline: +673-729-1316
OWWA Hotline: +673-729-1315
Website: https://bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHinBrunei/
Google Map Location
Please check out the location guide below of the POLO office in Brunei: