Applying for OEC is necessary for OFWs vacationing in the Philippines and will return to their job site overseas to fulfill or renew an existing employment contract. This document is also required for first-time workers and returning OFWs who will leave the Philippine airport to work.
So if you’re an OFW in Berlin, Germany, you can apply for OEC at the POLO Berlin office or attend a Consular Outreach Mission hosted by the Philippine Embassy and POLO across Germany. And to help you with the application process, read our in-depth guide to learn how to apply for OEC in Berlin, Germany.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Berlin, Germany
As months or years go by, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will have to return to the Philippines for holiday vacation, emergency reasons, or an expired contract. So the said workers need to apply at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before returning to the country to apply for their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
It is an essential document for OFWs since it certifies legal employment abroad and allows them to access protection, assistance, and benefits from the government. Moreover, OEC serves as an exit clearance that OFWs should show to immigration officers before leaving the country for employment reasons.
In short, if you’re vacationing in the Philippines and returning to your employment in Berlin, Germany, you need to secure your OEC to guarantee your return.
Contents
Requirements
Similar to other POEA and POLO offices, OFWs need to comply with the following requirements to get their OEC at POLO Berlin, Germany:
For workers with existing POEA 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
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin
For workers with existing POEA 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 Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin
- Letter from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site
For workers without existing POEA 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 Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
Aside from the requirements stated above, OFWs should ensure their OWWA membership status is active when applying for OEC. However, workers who don’t have a verified Employment Contract by POLO Berlin should request a Contract Verification from POLO and submit the necessary documents.
Processing Fees
The following are the applicable fees you may pay for OEC issuance at POLO Berlin:
- OEC Processing fee of €9.00
- OWWA membership fee of US25.00 converted to Euro
- POLO Verification fee of €27.00/page
Qualifications
Aside from ensuring that OFWs have obtained legal employment or working under a legal employer abroad, OEC also provides OFWs with government protection, assistance, and benefits such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. When traveling with their spouse and dependents, OFWs who possess OEC can also avail of reduced travel tax. Thus, POEA and POLO issue OEC to the following workers:
- 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 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 Berlin, Germany
If you’re an OFW vacationing in the Philippines and will return to Germany to continue your work, you need to secure your OEC before leaving the Philippine airport. In addition, if you’re returning to Berlin, Germany, to a different employer or job site, you need to book an appointment and personally visit the POLO Berlin office to get your OEC. But before doing that, you need to register a POPS-BaM account by following the steps below:
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Visit the POEA 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 have a registered account on POPS-BaM, complete your account setup by providing the required data and ensuring that your account details are correct to avoid delays when processing your OEC. Furthermore, if you have an old BM account, you should transfer your records to your newly created POPS-BaM account. You can do it by visiting the POPS-BaM website and looking for the DMW Helpdesk section. Click Transfer Old BM records and wait for 6 to 8 hours before using your POPS-BaM account. Then, book an OEC appointment with POLO Berlin by following the steps below:
- Visit the POEA 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 Berlin, Germany
As stated earlier, OFWs returning to a different employer or job site need to apply for OEC in POLO Berlin, Germany and secure the requirements for application. However, POLO Berlin will not issue OEC to workers without POLO verified Employment Contract, without existing POEA record, and those who arrived in Germany with a tourist or visit visa and acquired a work visa.
The said workers should request Contract Verification to get a verified Employment Contract from POLO Berlin. Then, apply for OEC at POEA when vacationing in the Philippines. To apply for OEC in POLO Berlin, Germany, follow the steps below:
- Head to the POLO Berlin office on the date of your appointment.
- Present your requirements to the POLO representative, including 2-copies of the duly-accomplished BM Information Sheet.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and other documents.
For OFWs staying far from Berlin, you can apply for your OEC through the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy and POLO across Germany. You can check their Facebook page and website for the upcoming schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission.
How to Get OEC Online in Berlin, Germany
If you’re a Balik Mangggawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site, you don’t need to book an appointment and visit the POLO Berlin office. Since you can get your OEC online and avail of the OEC exemption, you don’t need to pay the OEC processing fee. To get your OEC online, follow the steps below:
- Visit the POEA 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 request it within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: MGA REQUIREMENTS SA PAGKUHA NG OEC SA POEA | OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS POEA
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs should secure necessary documents when applying for OEC at POEA offices. OFWs should also pay the Pag-IBIG contribution and Insurance at the POEA office. Also, POEA doesn’t accept walk-ins due to the influx of applicants requesting documents. So OFWs should bring their printed appointment from POPS-BaM to enter the POEA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Germany:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Berlin, Germany?
You need to log in to your POPS-BaM account and confirm that you’re a Balik Manggagawa to get an OEC exemption.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Log in to your POPS-BaM account and indicate that you’re returning to a different employer or job site to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in Berlin, Germany, without an appointment?
You should book an OEC appointment if applying at the POLO Berlin office.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the Philippine airport, especially if you have a confirmed flight or are on emergency leave.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Berlin, Germany?
The OEC fee in Berlin, Germany, is €9.00.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
An active OWWA membership status is necessary to apply for OEC.
Summary
OFWs can acquire their OEC in Berlin, Germany, through the POPS-BaM system. For workers returning to a different employer and job site, you should book an appointment to apply for OEC at the POLO Berlin office. On the other hand, Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site can get their OEC online.
Contact Details
POLO Berlin, Germany
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin (Mitte), Germany
Telephone Number: +49 (0) 30 864 9500 local 301
Mobile/Viber Number for OEC, Contract Verification, and AKAP: +49 1766 151 2953
For employment concerns: +49 176 32236928
Email: polo_germany@dole.gov.ph
Website: http://poloberlin.dole.gov.ph/, http://philippine-embassy.de/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinGermany/
Google Map Location
Please see the map location of the POLO Berlin office in Germany. It is located in the Philippine Embassy in Berlin.