OFWs in Kaohsiung should secure their OEC whenever on vacation in the Philippines and return to Taiwan afterward to extend or fulfill an employment contract. OEC is a necessary document for new and returning workers, which verifies the acquisition of legal employment and an exit pass presented when departing the Philippine airport to work abroad. So if you’re vacationing in the Philippines for leisure or emergency reason, read our in-depth guide on how to get OEC in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Kaohsiung, Taiwan
As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), ensuring that you obtained your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is essential since it is an exit clearance you need to present to the immigration officers at the Philippine airport before departing to your job site. Through the OEC, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) can verify if your employer overseas is legal to prevent exploitation.
In addition, OFWs with OEC can enjoy government protection, assistance, and benefits. Thus, OFWs in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, are encouraged to get their OEC at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), a representative office of the Philippines in Taiwan.
Contents
Requirements
For OFWs in Kaohsiung who are required to apply for OEC at MECO, here are the following requirements you need to secure for OEC issuance:
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
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Valid Passport with Re-entry Visa and at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified the Employment Contract
For workers with existing POEA records returning to the same employer but in a different job site
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Valid Passport with Re-entry Visa and at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- 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
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Valid Passport with Re-entry Visa and at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
Moreover, OFWs should keep an active OWWA membership status when applying for OEC. For OFWs without a verified Employment Contract, your first need to request Contract Verification as it is necessary for OEC application.
Processing Fees
Aside from documentary requirements, OFWs need to pay the following applicable fees for OEC issuance, converted to New Taiwan dollars based on the foreign exchange rate:
- OEC processing fee of P100
- OWWA membership fee of US$25
Qualifications
By securing an OEC, OFWs don’t only ensure the legality of their work abroad but entitle them to government benefits such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. If traveling with their spouses and dependents, OFWs who possess valid OEC can also avail of lower travel tax. Thus, POEA, POLO, and MECO will only issue OEC to the following individuals:
- OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
- OFWs who acquired employment 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
On the contrary, Filipinos who hold the following status don’t need to get an OEC as per POEA:
- 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 MECO Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Like the OEC issuance procedure in POEA and POLO, OFWs need to book an OEC appointment to visit MECO Kaohsiung. But keep in mind that applying for OEC on-site is only necessary for OFWs that have changed employers or returning to a different employer and job site and don’t have an existing record on POEA. You also need to register an account on POPS-BaM by following the steps below:
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
After completing the account set up on POPS-BaM, double-check if the details you’ve provided are accurate and ensure registering only one account to avoid delays in the OEC processing. On the other hand, OFWs with old BM accounts should transfer their employment details on POPS-BaM under the DMW Helpdesk section. Request a ticket by clicking Transfer Old BM records and wait for 8 hours to match your details.
- 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 MECO Kaohsiung, Taiwan
For OFWs applying for OEC and returning to Taiwan with a different employer or job site, you should book an appointment to visit MECO Kaohsiung. However, OFWs without existing POEA records verified Employment Contracts who arrived in Taiwan with a visit or tourist visa and got a work visa cannot get their OEC at MECO Kaohsiung. Instead, those workers should secure a verified Employment Contract and book an OEC appointment with the POEA office. To apply for OEC in MECO Kaohsiung, follow the steps below:
- Visit MECO Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on the date of your appointment,
- Proceed to the receptionist and pass your requirements.
- Fill out the forms provided by the receptionist.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and other documents.
How to Get OEC Online in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Getting OEC online is recommended by POEA for OFWs considered Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site and applies to returning workers employed by the GBP. These workers are qualified for an OEC exemption, exempting them from on-site application and paying the processing fee. To get OEC online in Kaohsiung, 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: MECO Kaohsiung OEC Certificate
Check out this video on how of an OFW in Kaohsiung on how to get to MECO Kaohsiung office. This is for reference to all OFWs based in this city:
Video: PAANO KUMUHA NG OEC, BALIK MANGGAGAWA SA PILIPINAS?
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, the new website to get OEC for OFWs is the Department of Migrant Workers Online Services Portal. OFWs can also book an appointment using the new website and get their OEC online if they’re qualified for OEC exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Kaohsiung:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Kaohsiung, Taiwan?
You need to be returning to the same employer and job site and log in to your POPS-BaM account to get an OEC exemption.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
To book an OEC appointment online, register and log in to your POPS-BaM account and select your preferred processing site.
3. Can I get OEC in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, without an appointment?
If you’re applying for OEC in MECO Kaohsiung, it is essential to book an appointment.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the Philippine airport if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight bookings.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Kaohsiung, Taiwan?
The OEC fee in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is P100 converted to the New Taiwan dollar.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
You need to have an active OWWA membership to get OEC.
Summary
In summary, OEC is essential to OFWs as it ensures that their employment abroad is legal and gives them access to government protection, assistance, and benefits. Thus, OFWs in Kaohsiung should get a valid OEC before returning to Taiwan to avoid delays.
Contact Details
OWWA Kaohsiung
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Tuesday
8:00 am to 3:30 pm, Wednesday to Friday
Address: 807, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Sanmin District, Minzu 1st Rd, 80號9F 長谷世貿聯合國大樓(Grand 50 Tower)
MECO Kaohsiung Telephone Number: (886) 7-3985935 to 36
OWWA Telephone Number: 07-3982-475
Consular Telephone Number: 07-3985-935
MECO Labor Center Telephone Number: 07-3987-078
Email: owwa_polokhh@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.meco.org.tw/, https://www.meco-labor.org.tw/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/MECO.official
Google Map Location
Please see the map guide to the location of MECO-office in Kaohsiung below: