For OFWs in Dubai and the Northern Emirates planning to have a short vacation in the Philippines or going home for urgent matters, securing an OEC is necessary before returning for your overseas employment. You can visit the POLO Dubai office in Al Qusais to process this.
The OEC certificate document is also required when applying for work abroad, ensuring legal recruitment and documentation. So even if you’re renewing a contract or obtained employment from a new employer, follow this guide to make it easier to apply for OEC in Dubai, UAE.
Also Read: OWWA Appointment Membership Dubai, UAE
An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is one of the most important documents the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requires for new and old Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), which help in verifying their legal employment and documentation.
It also serves as an exit clearance to pass through the immigration before an OFW can leave the country for their work abroad. Therefore, OFWs must secure a valid OEC before going back to Dubai to continue or renew their contracts.
Contents
Requirements
To all OFWs going back to the Philippines and returning to Dubai to continue or renew their contract, here are the following requirements you need to secure based on the official website of POLO Dubai:
- Three printed copies of BM Online Appointment or Information Sheet
- POLO Verified Contract
- Original and two photocopies of passport valid for at least six months before the date of departure
- Two copies of Valid Residence Visa
- Confirmed Airline Ticket or other documents containing flight information
- Sworn Statement (for first-time applicants of OEC or without POEA employment record)
- Present or old Visa or OEC copy (for returning workers availing of OEC exemption)
- Personal appearance only
As stated on the website of POLO Dubai, OFWs need to secure a BM Online Appointment to get OEC. Instead, OFWs with no previous POEA record should head to offices in the Philippines to apply for an OEC.
POLO Dubai will only verify the labor contract of the worker as a requirement to get an OEC in the Philippines.
In addition, OEC exemption is only granted to Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and has an e-Registration account at the POPS-BaM online system.
Note: For those based in Abu Dhabi, please follow the OEC Application guide in Abu Dhabi here.
Processing Fees
Aside from documents, there are necessary fees needed before the issuance of OEC. POLO Dubai only accepts cash payments, so ensure to prepare the exact amount when paying applicable processing fees.
- OEC fee of AED 10.00
- OWWA membership fee of AED 92.00
If hired by a recruitment agency, your employer will pay the following:
- POEA Processing Fee of Php 200.00
- OWWA membership fee of AED 92.00
Also, your agency may take one month of your salary to cover your placement fee. Some countries do not collect fees from workers, so it is ideal to ask your agency for the receipt to ensure charges.
Qualifications
While it will benefit many OFWs, POEA only issues it to documented workers to promote legal recruitment and employment. So before you prepare the application requirements, check if you fall under the following criteria:
- 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)
According to POLO Dubai’s website, the following are also qualified to apply for OEC:
- First-time OWWA applicants or OFWs with expired OWWA membership
- OWWA member with valid unexpired membership and POLO Verified Contract
- Household Service Worker with POLO Verified Contract
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Dubai
As shown on the website of POLO Dubai, the first step to booking an OEC appointment is to register on the new online processing system POPS-BaM. You must have an e-Registration account to secure a BM Online Appointment. So if you don’t have an account yet, follow the steps below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM
- Go to the new POEA Online Services Portal website.
- Click Let’s Go and Register for new users.
- Click the I Accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the necessary details and click Register.
- Go to the email you provided on the registration and copy your Temporary Password.
- Return to the POEA Online Services Portal website and log in using your registered email address.
- Enter your Temporary Password and change it to your chosen password.
- Complete the details on My Profile and click Update Profile.
- Provide your Identification Details and add your Beneficiaries.
- Afterward, upload your profile picture and password to complete your account details.
How to Book an OEC Appointment via POPS-BaM
Once you have an e-Registration account on POPS-BaM online system, you may proceed with booking an OEC Appointment in POLO Dubai. If you already have an old BM account, you can also transfer it to POPS-BaM online system by looking for your record and waiting for 2-6 hours before using your new e-Registration account. Furthermore, ensure that you have an active OWWA membership. So to book an OEC appointment with the POLO Dubai office, follow the steps below.
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal website.
- Click Let’s Go on E-Registration.
- Log in with your registered email address and password.
- Ensure that your identification and beneficiary data are complete to proceed or provide the missing data.
- On the dashboard, click Balik Manggagawa under My Links and click Next.
- Enter your flight date and click Next.
- If you’re a Balik Manggagawa returning to your previous employer in the same or different location, answer Yes to the questions.
- Then, proceed to print your OEC to get the exemption. If you’re not returning to the same employer, proceed to the next step.
- Update the details of your contract and click Submit.
- Select the Processing Site and click Next.
- Choose your preferred appointment date and time.
- Lastly, screenshot or print the confirmed appointment schedule.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Dubai
OFWs who are not Balik Manggagawa or workers not returning to their previous employers should apply for an OEC in the POLO Dubai office. So if you change an employer, you have to secure an OEC appointment, submit the stated requirements above, and follow the steps below when personally visiting the POLO Dubai office.
- Go to the POLO Dubai office on the date of your appointment.
- Present the security guard the screenshot or printed copy of your confirmed appointment schedule to enter the premise.
- Submit the complete and applicable requirements at the OEC window for verification.
- Pay in cash the applicable processing fees.
- Collect your OEC and other issued documents.
Nonetheless, remember that POLO Dubai will not issue an OEC if the worker arrives in UAE with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa. The said OFWs are required to apply for an OEC in the POEA offices in the Philippines.
How to Get OEC Online in Dubai
For OFWs considered as Balik Manggagawa or returning workers, you have the privilege and qualify to get an OEC online even if you’re in Dubai. It is more convenient and recommended to acquire OEC online using the new POPS-BaM system since no more appointments, queuing, and submitting documents are needed. All you have to do is to follow the steps below.
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal website.
- Click Let’s Go and log in to your e-Registration account.
- Ensure that your profile is complete or provide the missing data to proceed.
- Enter your flight date and click Next.
- If you’re a Balik Manggagawa returning to your previous employer in the same or different location, answer Yes to the two questions.
- Then, print your OEC. Also, ensure to get your OEC 60 days before your return flight date.
Take note, OFWs who can get an OEC online are those qualified to avail of exemption and return to the same employer and have a POEA record. So if you’re also returning to the same job site but in a different employer, you’re not qualified to get an OEC online.
Video: How to process your OEC or Overseas Employment Certificate in POLO Dubai, UAE VLG#1
For more details on the OEC application in Dubai, UAE, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs need to submit an official employment or MOHRE contract from the company as one of the requirements to apply for OEC. The speaker also stated that he only presented four requirements, including the MOHRE contract, visa photocopy, passport photocopy, and photocopy of one valid ID.
Furthermore, if your documents are not matching your visa, additional requirements are needed to secure an OEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions about POLO OWWA Dubai and the renewal of the membership process:
1. How can I get OEC online in Dubai?
You can get an OEC online using the POPS-BaM online system and if you’re a Balik Manggagawa or returning worker.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You need to register an account at POPS-BaM online system to be able to book an OEC appointment.
3. Can I get OEC in Dubai without an appointment?
You have to book an appointment if you’re applying for an OEC in the POLO Dubai office.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get an OEC at the Philippine airport if you emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
The OEC is only valid for 60 days.
6. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
You need an active OWWA membership since it is a prerequisite for OEC application.
7. Do I need OEC to go back to the Philippines?
OEC is only needed when leaving the Philippines, so it is not required when entering the country.
Summary
To sum up, OFWs can conveniently apply for an OEC in the POLO Dubai office if returning quickly. Also, Balik Manggagawa or returning workers can avail of exemption and print their OEC online, making it more hassle-free. So ensure that you have a valid OEC to enjoy travel tax and terminal fees exemption, and avoid flight delays.
Contact Details
POLO Dubai Office
Operating Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 12:00 noon every Friday
Address: Street # 2C, Beirut St., Near Al Qusais Police Station، Al Qusais 3 – Dubai, UAE
Telephone: 04-2207011
Hotline: 0506526626
Email: dolepolodubai@gmail.com
Website: http://www.polodubaiportal.org/
Google Map Location
Please see the map guide to the location of POLO Dubai office below: