How to Apply OEC Certificate in Cyprus

If you’re an OFW in Cyprus, you should know that securing a valid OEC is essential when vacationing in the Philippines and returning to your job site abroad. Whether you’re going home for emergency reasons or vacationing with your family, you should get your OEC if you’re still leaving the country to fulfill or extend your employment contract since the OEC will serve as your pass and proof of legal employment. So if you’re wondering how to get OEC in Cyprus, read our in-depth guide below.

Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is one of the most necessary documents that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) should secure whenever going home to the Philippines for vacation and will return to their job site. Through the OEC, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), now renamed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), can verify if the worker’s employers are legal and can employ them.

In addition, OEC acts as an exit clearance that immigration officers go through before OFWs can depart the Philippine airport for employment reasons. Thus, OFWs in Nicosia and nearby areas are encouraged to get their OEC at Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Cyprus.

how to get oec certificate in cyprus

Requirements

For OFWs in Cyprus vacationing in the Philippines and leaving the country again to work overseas, here are the following requirements to comply with, according to DMW:

For workers with existing DMW records vacationing for the first time and returning to the same employer and job site to fulfill or extend their employment contract

  • POPS-BaM Appointment form
  • 3-copies of the BM Information Sheet
  • Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
  • Copy of previous OEC or Work Visa
  • Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
  • POLO verified the Employment Contract
  • Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket and other documents regarding flight details

For workers with existing DMW records returning to the same employer but in a different job site

  • POPS-BaM Appointment form
  • 3-copies of the BM Information Sheet
  • Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
  • Copy of previous OEC or Work Visa
  • Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
  • POLO verified the Employment Contract
  • Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket and other documents regarding flight details
  • 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
  • 3-copies of the BM Information Sheet
  • Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
  • Copy of previous OEC or Work Visa
  • Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
  • POLO verified the Employment Contract
  • Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket and other documents regarding flight details
  • Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment

On the other hand, OFWs without a verified Employment Contract by POLO Cyprus should first request Contract Verification before the OEC issuance. So it is ideal to contact their office for further instructions since POLO Cyprus doesn’t have much detail online due to the lack of a Facebook page and website.

Processing Fees

If you’re required to get your OEC on-site, here are the applicable fees you need to settle when applying for OEC at POLO Cyprus, converted to Euro based on the foreign exchange rate:

  1. OEC processing fee of P100
  2. OWWA membership fee of US$25

Qualifications

Besides verifying the legality of OFW’s employment abroad, OEC also ensures coverage with the government’s protection, assistance, and benefits, such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. Moreover, OFWs with valid OEC traveling with their spouses and dependents can also enjoy reduced travel tax. However, the said privileges are only accessible by the following workers who are qualified to get OEC:

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

Nonetheless, according to DMW, Filipinos with the following status don’t need to get OEC:

  1. Immigrant
  2. Permanent Resident
  3. Dependent/Spouse of Foreign National
  4. Intra-Company Transferee
  5. Vacationing OFWs visiting other countries, except their job site
  6. Trainee
  7. US J1 Visa holder/ Cultural Exchange Programs
  8. Other Non-OFW Status as evaluated

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Cyprus

Although there are limited details about POLO Cyprus, booking an online appointment is necessary whether applying at POLO or any DMW office. In addition, OFWs without a record on DMW online database should register a POPS-BaM account before booking an OEC appointment. So if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account yet, follow the steps below:

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

  1. Visit the DMW 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

But if you already have a POPS-BaM account, ensure to check or update your employment details, and don’t create more than one account to prevent issues when applying for your OEC. For OFWs with old BM accounts, it is ideal transferring your records on POPS-BaM.

To do so, visit POPS-BaM and click Transfer old BM record under the DMW Helpdesk section. Afterward, wait for up to 8 hours until your details matches and book an OEC appointment y following the steps below:

  1. Visit the DMW 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 Cyprus

Do note that applying for OEC in POLO Cyprus is only necessary for OFWs who have changed employers or returning to a different job site and those without existing records with DMW. Additionally, POLO Cyprus won’t issue the OEC of OFWs without existing DMW records, verified Employment Contracts, and those who arrived in the nation only holding a visit or tourist visa and obtained a work visa.

Instead, request a Contract Verification from POLO Cyprus since it is a requirement when applying for OEC in DMW offices in the Philippines. To apply for OEC in POLO Cyprus, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit POLO Cyprus on your appointment date.
  2. Proceed to the receptionist and submit the requirements for evaluation.
  3. Accomplish and submit the forms provided by the receptionist.
  4. Once qualified to get OEC, pay the applicable fees.
  5. Then, you’re OEC will be issued, or you can print it online via POPS-BaM.

How to Get OEC Online in Cyprus

If you’re a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site, you can get OEC online in Cyprus. For returning workers hired by GBP, you can also get an OEC exemption via POPS-BaM, which exempts you from paying the OEC processing fee. To get OEC online in Cyprus, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the DMW 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 ensure to only request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.

Video: How to print OEC from your BM online account.

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

If you’re wondering how to print OEC online via POPS-BaM, go to the DMW Online Services Portal and follow the steps above to get OEC online. Next, click the Print OEC and Open to save the file and proceed with printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

To get an OEC exemption in Cyprus, log in to POPS-BaM and verify that you’re 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 and go to the Balik Manggagawa section to book an OEC appointment online.

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

No, since an appointment is necessary for OEC issuance.

4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

You can get OEC at the airport if 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 Cyprus?

The OEC fee in Cyprus is P100 converted to Euro.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

No, you need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.

Summary

Overall, OEC is a valuable document for OFWs as it helps verify their employment, protecting them from exploitation. It also entitles them to protection, assistance, and benefits from the government even if they’re working abroad. So OFWs in Cyprus are encouraged to apply at POLO to access privileges and avoid delays when returning to their job site.

Contact Details

Philippine Consulate in Larnaca, Republic of Cyprus
Address: 21B Makariou III Avenue, 6016 Larnaca, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 24722520
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri 09:00am – 14:30pm | Wed – Closed
Website: https://philippineconsulate.org.cy/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/philippineconsulatecy/


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