For OFWs in Jeddah and the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, applying for OEC is necessary if vacationing in the Philippines and returning to work overseas. OEC ensures OFWs return for overseas employment and get beneficial privileges. So to learn how to get your OEC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, keep reading.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment and Membership in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) confirming the legality of their work abroad. It serves as an exit clearance OFWs need to present to immigration officers before they’re allowed to leave the Philippines. Thus, OFWs should keep a valid OEC if on vacation in the Philippines and return to Jeddah.
Contents
Requirements
OFWs returning to work to the same employer in Jeddah and the Western Region should apply for OEC to fulfill or extend their employment contract and submit the following requirements to acquire an OEC in the POLO Jeddah office:
- Printed POPS-BaM Appointment form
- POLO Verified Employment Contract
- Valid Work Visa
- Official receipt of OWWA Membership
- Original and two photocopies of Passport (with at least six months validity before the date of departure)
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket
Additional Documents
On the other hand, if the worker cannot provide a POLO Verified Employment Contract, present the original and photocopies of the following documents for Contract Verification, and should contain the signature of the employee and employer and stamp with the company logo on each page of the contract.
For Various Skilled Workers working in Company
- Photocopy of worker’s Passport
- Copy of worker’s Iqama
- Standard Employment for Various Skills, containing Contingency Plan and Undertaking Addendum
- Photocopy of the Company’s Commercial Registration and License, including English translation
- Photocopy of Company or Employer’s Iqama/Hawiya or National ID
- Photocopy of Exit and Re-entry Visa (for vacationing workers)
For Household Workers
Attach the following to the Standard Employment Contract:
- Photocopy of HSW Exit and Re-entry Visa
- Photocopy of worker’s Passport
- Copy of worker’s Iqama
- Photocopy of Employer’s Iqama/Hawiya or National ID
- Employer’s National Address
If the workers are in the Philippines, attach the used Exit and Re-entry Visa copy or passport page stamped by Saudi Arabia and Philippine immigration. Furthermore, the entries should be handwritten in English and Arabic, and the contract should contain the signature of the worker and employer.
Processing Fees
- OEC processing fee of SAR 9.00
- OWWA membership fee of SAR 94.00
- Pag-IBIG monthly savings fee of SAR 10.00
- Verification of Contract fee of SAR 40.00
Qualifications
OEC is not only a document that OFWs need to present to the immigration officers in the Philippines, confirming the legality of their work abroad. OFWs who possess the OEC can enjoy varying benefits from the Philippine government and avail of travel tax and terminal fees exemption. So POEA and POLO offices only issue OEC to the following qualified 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 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 in on-site
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Jeddah
All OFWs vacationing in the Philippines and returning to Jeddah to work for a different employer or job site should book an appointment for OEC issuance. A registration account on the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) is necessary for an OEC appointment with the POLO Jeddah office. Also, ensure that you have an active OWWA membership status and POLO verified Employment Contract since it’s required when applying for OEC. So if you don’t have an e-Registration account on POPS-BaM, follow the steps below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration, click Let’s Go and Register.
- Tick off the box of the I Accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the required details and click Register.
- Check your registered email with POPS-BaM and copy the provided Temporary Password.
- Input the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
- Next, click My Profile on the dashboard.
- Enter the required details.
- Double-check the details you’ve provided and click Update Profile.
- Fill out the Identification Details.
- Input your Beneficiary details.
- Then, upload your Profile Picture and clear copy of your Passport to complete your account.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
Once you have completed the setup of your POPS-BaM account, you can proceed with booking an OEC appointment with the POLO Jeddah office. If old BM accounts exist, transfer your records to POPS-BaM. Look for the POEA Helpdesk section and click Transfer Old BM records to match the details to your newly registered POPS-BaM account. To book an OEC appointment, follow the steps below:
- Go to 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 account lacks detail, provide the missing data.
- Next, input your Flight Date and click Next.
- If not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer No to the questions to proceed with the booking.
- Make necessary changes to the details of your contract and click Submit.
- Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
- Afterward, take a screenshot or print your confirmed appointment schedule.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Jeddah
The processing of applying for OEC is the same as other POLO offices worldwide, so ensure that you have an appointment before visiting the POLO Jeddah office. Application for OEC on-site or at the POLO Jeddah office is for OFWs who are not Balik Manggagawa or returning to the nation to work for a different employer or have changed their employer’s on-site.
However, POLO Jeddah will not issue OEC to OFWs who arrived in Saudi Arabia with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa. Instead, the worker should personally apply for OEC in the POEA offices back in the Philippines, and the POLO Jeddah office can only verify the worker’s Employment Contract as a requirement to get OEC. To get your OEC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, follow the steps below:
- Head to the POLO Jeddah office on the day of your appointment.
- Submit your requirement to the reception officer and fill out the provided forms.
- After the verification, pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC.
- Then, print the copy of your OEC in POPS-BaM.
Another way to apply for OEC is to participate in Consular Outreach Missions conducted by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and POLO office. It is ideal for OFWs residing in farther places in Saudi Arabia as the outreach mission is held across the nation.
So if you opt to get your OEC through the Consular Outreach Mission, check the website and follow the Facebook pages of POLO and PCG to be updated on the latest schedule.
How to Get OEC Online in Jeddah
Getting an OEC online is only qualified for Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site with an existing record at POEA’s database. Also, returning workers hired via GBP can also get their OEC online, and the said workers can avail of OEC exemption and no longer need to pay the processing fee. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
- Under My Links click Balik Manggagawa. If your profile is incomplete, provide the needed data.
- Input your Flight Date and click Next.
- Double-check or change the details on your contract if necessary.
- Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Manggagawa.
- Afterward, print your OEC and make sure that you’re requesting your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: REQUIREMENTS SA PINAS PARA MAKABALIK NG SAUDI: OEC IMPORTANTE PALA!
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As stated in the video, many OFWs are not aware of the importance of OEC. The speaker also said the individuals who should apply for OEC and the officials in Saudi Arabia require the vaccination status of individuals arriving in the nation. Thus, it is ideal to register here three days before your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions about the POLO office in Jeddah and the OEC Certificate:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Jeddah?
You can get an OEC exemption in Jeddah if you’re a Balik Manggagaw or returning to the same employer.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Register an account on POPS-BaM and book an OEC appointment.
3. Can I get OEC in Jeddah without an appointment?
All OFWs need to book an appointment for OEC issuance.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
OFWs can get OEC at the airport if on emergency leave or have confirmed flight bookings.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Jeddah?
The OEC fee in Jeddah is SAR 9.00.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
An active OWWA membership status is necessary for OEC issuance.
Summary
Applying for OEC is necessary for all OFWs in Jeddah, whether returning to the same or different employer. Moreover, OFWs returning to Saudi Arabia are sometimes required to present their Vaccination Report or Status. Thus, it is better to check with POLO Jeddah for the latest list of requirements.
Contact Details
POLO Jeddah
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: 4663 Fajr Street Al-Rehab District 6 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21412
POLO Hotline Number: +966 56 981 9720
Emails:
- Labor Concern- polojeddah2018@gmail.com, pjcc2022@yahoo.com
- Verification Unit- polojeddah2019@yahoo.com
- Balik Manggagawa- owwa_jeddah@yahoo.com
- OWWA Concern: jeddah@owwa.gov.ph
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/polo-jeddah/home, https://jeddahpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/POLOJEDDAHKSA, https://facebook.com/PHLinJeddah
Google Map Location
The POLO-OWWA office in Jeddah is located at the following map address below. This is also where the Philippine Consulate General office in Jeddah is located: