How to Apply OEC Certificate in Kuwait

For OFWs in Kuwait, securing an OEC is needed when applying for work abroad. It is also a required document if vacationing in the Philippines and will return to fulfill an existing or new employment contract. This document ensures that all OFWs leaving the Philippines are recruited legally and documented to work abroad. So if you’re wondering how to apply for OEC in Kuwait, keep on reading.

Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment and Membership in Kuwait

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is a government agency mandated to manage the employment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

POEA requires OFWs to acquire an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), which verifies they are legally recruited by an overseas employer and underwent documentation.

Also called an exit clearance, OEC is a required document to pass the airport immigration, allowing OFWs to leave for overseas work. Thus, OFWs in Kuwait are encouraged to apply for an OEC when leaving the Philippines and returning to work.

oec certificate application in kuwait

Requirements

Whether you’re going home to the Philippines for vacation or due to the end of a contract and returning abroad to continue or renew your employment contract, here are the following requirements you need to present to apply for OEC in Kuwait.

  • 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
  • Confirmed Airline Ticket or other documents containing flight information
  • Document verifying existing employment such as valid business ID, latest payslip, or Certificate of Employment (for OFWs returning to their previous company and same or different job site to continue or renew employment contract and vacationing for the first time)
  • Letter from the Company indicating transfer to another job site (for OFWs returning to the same company but in a different location)
  • Sworn Statement indicating how the employment was obtained (for first-time applicants of OEC or without POEA employment record)
  • OEC fee of 0.750 KD
  • OWWA membership fee of 8 KD
  • Personal appearance only

If hired by an agency, the agency will charge the applicable fees to your employer. So always ask for a receipt from the agency to ensure the charges.

Qualifications

The purpose of the OEC is it ensures that OFWs have legal employment and undergo proper documentation to keep them protected even if they’re working abroad. Nonetheless, OEC is only issued to qualified individuals, including:

  • 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)

Furthermore, OFWs who are going home to the Philippines and will return to the same company and job site to fulfill or renew their employment contract and have a POEA record are qualified to apply for OEC.

OFWs who will also return to the same company but at a different job site or changes employer on-site with existing POEA record can be issued an OEC. However, OFWs without employment records on POEA’s database are not qualified to get an OEC in POLO Kuwait.

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Kuwait

As stated on the POLO Kuwait Facebook post, effective on June 30, 2021, OFWs should book an OEC appointment using the new online POEA Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM).

OFWs need to create a POPS-BaM e-Registration account to get an OEC or book an appointment. And if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account yet, follow the steps below.

Register an Account on POPS-BaM (For New Users)

  1. Go to the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go.
  3. Click Register for new users.
  4. Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
  5. Complete the required field and click Register.
  6. Go to the email address you use to register on the POPS-BaM website.
  7. Check and copy the Temporary Password sent to your email.
  8. Go back to the POPS-BaM website and log in to your registered email.
  9. Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred Password.
  10. Once logged in, click My Profile and complete your account details.
  11. Next, click Update Profile.
  12. Fill out the Identification Details.
  13. Input your Beneficiaries details.
  14. Then, upload a profile picture and your passport to complete your account details.

Booking an OEC Appointment via POPS-BaM

Once you have created an e-Registration account and completed account details, you can now proceed to book an OEC appointment with POLO Kuwait using POPS-BaM. But if you have an old BM account, you can transfer your record to POPS-BaM online system.

You only need to register and search for your old BM record to reflect the data on your POPS-BaM account. Then, wait for 2-6 hours before making any transaction on your newly created account.

In addition, ensure that you have an active OWWA membership fee and other fees or pay them when you apply for OEC. So to book an OEC appointment with the POLO Kuwait office, follow the steps below.

  1. Go to the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go.
  3. On the right side of the dashboard page, select Balik Manggagawa under My Links and click Next.
  4. If a list of incomplete data appears, provide the necessary details to continue.
  5. Then, input your Flight Date and click Next.
  6. Two questions will appear on screen, inquiring if you’re a Balik Manggagawa returning to the same employer and job site. Answer No to both questions if you’re not a Balik Manggagawa.
  7. Next, update or change the information of your contract and click Submit.
  8. Choose the Processing Site for the appointment and click Next.
  9. Lastly, take a screenshot or print your booking appointment schedule.

How to Apply for OEC in POLO Kuwait

OFWs returning to Kuwait to work for a different employer or changes on-site should apply for an OEC at the POLO Kuwait office. So booking an appointment via POPS-BaM is necessary to acquire an OEC, prepare the needed documents and pay the fees. To apply for an OEC in POLO Kuwait, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the POLO Kuwait office on the day of your appointment.
  2. Present the security guard a screenshot or printed copy of your confirmed appointment schedule.
  3. Proceed to the reception table and submit your requirements for verification.
  4. Fill out the forms the reception officer will hand out to you.
  5. Then, wait for your turn.
  6. Pay the applicable fees and wait for your OEC to be issued.

POLO Kuwait will not release OEC to OFWs without POEA employment records who came to Kuwait with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa. Instead, they must personally apply for an OEC in the POEA offices in the Philippines to get proper documentation.

POLO Kuwait office can only verify the worker’s contract as a requirement to apply for an OEC in the Philippines. Also, ensure to bring extra photocopies of your documents to avoid paying expensive photocopy charges in POLO.

How to Get OEC Online in Kuwait

As clarified by POEA, only OFWs considered Balik Manggagawa or returning workers can apply for and get an OEC online in Kuwait. These individuals are workers returning to their previous employer and in the same or different job site.

Balik Manggagawa is a worker qualified to avail of exemption and print their OEC online and exempted from paying the OEC fee and submitting requirements. So if you’re a Balik Manggagawa, follow the steps below to get an OEC online in Kuwait.

  1. Go to the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in to your account.
  3. If your account is incomplete, provide the missing data to continue.
  4. Enter your Flight Date and click Next.
  5. Confirm that you’re a Balik Manggagawa by answering Yes to both questions.
  6. Then, print your OEC 60 days before your return flight date.

Video: UPDATE MO NA ANG BALIK MANGGAGAWA MO KABAYAN PARA HINDI KA NA MAHIRAPAN | OEC | OFW

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

As discussed in the video, the old BM online website will no longer be operational since June 2021. So OFWs need to register an account on the new online system POPS-BaM. An e-Registration account allows OFW to apply for an OEC, avail of exemption, and book an appointment with POEA or POLO offices. Also, an option is available under the POEA helpdesk, allowing the Transfer of Old BM records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out these common questions and answers about the OEC certificate application process in Kuwait:

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

You can get an OEC exemption in Kuwait if you’re a Balik Manggagawa or returning to your previous employer.

2. How can I get OEC online in Kuwait?

The OEC online is only available by Balik Manggagawa using the POPS-Bam system.

3. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

You need to create an e-Registration account on the POPS-BaM website to book an OEC appointment online.

4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

OFWs can get OEC at the Philippine airport, especially if on emergency leave or with a confirmed flight booking.

5. How long is OEC valid?

The OEC is only valid for 60 days.

6. How much is the OEC fee in Kuwait?

The OEC fee in Kuwait is 0.750 KD.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

Having an active OWWA membership status is necessary to get an OEC.

8. Do I need OEC to go back to the Philippines?

No, you don’t need an OEC to return to the Philippines. You only need an OEC when leaving the country for overseas work.

Summary

OFWs can conveniently apply for an OEC in the POLO Kuwait office as long as the necessary documents are submitted. Also, OFWs can get an OEC in the Philippines if they need to return to the country soon.

On the other hand, Balik Manggagawa is qualified to avail of OEC exemption using the POPS-BaM system. So OFWs in Kuwait should acquire an OEC to enjoy travel tax and terminal fees exemption and avoid delayed flights.

Contact Details

MWO / POLO-OWWA Kuwait
Operating Hours: 7 am to 2 pm from Sunday to Thursday
Address: Villa 35, Block 1, Abdulrahman Al Ghafiqi Street, Salwa Area
Website: https://kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph/
POLO-OWWA Kuwait Hotline: +965-9403-9063
POLO Kuwait Email: Polokuwait2017@gmail.com
OWWA Kuwait Email: Kuwait@owwa.gov.ph
Website: https://mwokuwait.weebly.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MWO.Kuwait/

Google Map Location

Please check the address map guide to POLO office in Kuwait below:

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