For OFWs based in Lebanon, keep in mind that securing your OEC is necessary whenever leaving the Philippines to work abroad. Whether you’re a first-time or returning worker, you should obtain your OEC before you depart the country for employment reasons. So if you’re wondering how to get OEC in Lebanon, read our in-depth guide below.
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document that verifies Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) work abroad. This document is available at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or now known as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), which act as an exit clearance that OFWs should present to immigration officers before leaving the Philippine airport.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Beirut, Lebanon
In addition, OEC entitles the holder to travel tax and terminal fees exemption and reduced travel tax for their spouses and dependents. Thus, OFWs in Lebanon are encouraged to apply for OEC to avoid delayed flights and enjoy the benefits.
Contents

Requirements
If you’re vacationing in the Philippines soon and will return to your work overseas, here are the following requirements you should comply with, as per DMW:
For workers with existing DMW 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 (1 original, 1-photocopy)
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page; 1 original, 3-photocopies)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa (1-original, 3-photocopies)
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document (1- original, 2-photocopies)
- POLO verified Employment Contract (1-original, 2-photocopies)
- Lebanese ID card of the employer (include 2-photocopies of English translation)
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary (2 copies)
- Proof of active OWWA membership such as official receipt and certificate of coverage
- Other necessary documents such as Company ID, Employment Certificate, or latest payslip
For workers with existing DMW 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
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Lebanese ID card of the employer
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Proof of active OWWA membership such as official receipt and certificate of coverage
- Other necessary documents such as Company ID, Employment Certificate, or latest payslip
- Letter from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site
For workers without existing DMW records and those who have changed employers on-site
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Lebanese ID card of the employer
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Proof of active OWWA membership such as official receipt and certificate of coverage
- Other necessary documents such as Company ID, Employment Certificate, or latest payslip
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
The BM Information Sheet and Standard Employment Contract are available at POLO. Moreover, the Employment Contract should be in the English language and can be hand-written or type-written, and contain the employer’s signature. It should also indicate the worker’s start and return date and submit in original and 1-photocopy.
Additional Documents
However, for OFWs without verified Employment Contracts, email a scanned copy of the following documents to POLO Lebanon for evaluation:
- BM Information Sheet
- Original notarized Employment Contract with Apostille stamped from the Governor’s office.
- Certificate of Employment with salary
- Undertaking of the employer
- Contingency Plan
- Copy of worker’s existing work permit
- Copy of employer’s ID with signature
- Copy of employer’s airway bill shipment receipt for returning documents
Processing Fees
As stated on the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, here are the applicable fees to pay for OEC issuance:
In the Embassy
- POLO verification fee of US$10.00
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00
- Consular Authentication fee of US$ 25.00
In the Philippines
- OEC processing fee of P100
- Philhealh membership fee
- Pag-ibig membership fee
Qualifications
Considering that DMW encourages OFWs to work with legal employers, only the following workers are qualified to apply for OEC:
- OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
- OFWs who acquired employment via a recruitment agency
- OFWs hired via DMW’s Government Placement Branch (GBP)
- OFWs with existing DMW database records and returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa
- OFWs with existing DMW database record returning to the same employer but in a different job site
- OFWs without DMW database records or changes employers on-site
On the other hand, Filipinos with the following status no longer require obtaining OEC, as per DMW:
- 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 POLO Lebanon
Whether you’re applying for OEC at DMW or POLO, booking an appointment is necessary. So you’ll need to register a POPS-BaM account 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
If you already have a POPS-BaM account, ensure to complete your profile setup and only accurate employment details to avoid conflicts when processing OEC. Additionally, update your employment details whenever necessary. To book an OEC appointment via POPS-BaM, follow the steps below:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration, 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 Lebanon
According to the process flow provided by POLO Lebanon, OFWs have to secure a POLO verified Employment Contract before booking an OEC appointment with DMW via POPS-BaM. So OFWs in Lebanon who need to get their Employment Contract verified should send a scanned copy of their documents to POLO’s email and wait for the evaluator’s update to set an appointment on their preferred date.
During their visit to POLO Lebanon, the worker should pay the fees for verification of Employment Contract, OWWA membership, and Consular Authentication. After securing the necessary documents and paying the fees, the worker should book an appointment with DMW to apply for their OEC and pay the processing fee. In another Facebook post, POLO Lebanon also states that due to the increasing Covid-19 cases, applicants should comply with the following for Balik Manggagawa processing:
- Secure an appointment via pololebanoneval@gmail.com
- Book an appointment one month before vacationing in the Philippines
- Workers will attend orientation regarding things to remember before returning to the Philippines
Since obtaining OEC involves varying processes, it is ideal to contact POLO Lebanon via their Watsapp for further details.
How to Get OEC Online in Lebanon
If you’re qualified for an exemption, you can get OEC online via POPS-BaM. It exempts you from paying the OEC processing fee, which applies to Balik Mangggawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site and for returning workers employed by GBP. To get OEC online in Lebanon, 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: OEC EXEMPTION | SINO LANG BA ANG PWEDE DITO ??
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs who acquired an OEC exemption online no longer need to get insurance and visit the DMW office. On the contrary, OFWs not qualified to get an OEC exemption should visit DMW to apply for their OEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Beirut, Lebanon:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Lebanon?
To get an OEC exemption in Lebanon, log in to POPS-BaM and confirm you’re a Balik Manggagawa.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
To book an OEC appointment online, log in to POPS-BaM and proceed to the Balik Manggagawa section.
3. Can I get OEC in Lebanon without an appointment?
No, an appointment is necessary at POLO and DMW.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the airport if you’re on emergency leave or have a confirmed flight.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Lebanon?
The OEC fee is P100.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
You need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.
Summary
In summary, OFWs in Lebanon should first secure a POLO verified Employment Contract and pay the applicable fees at the Embassy. Then, they should book an appointment with DMW to apply for their OEC in the Philippines.
Furthermore, it is better to contact POLO Lebanon regarding the latest procedure for obtaining OEC since their website and Facebook page have limited details.
Contact Details
POLO Lebanon
Address: 2nd Floor W. Building, Mar Geries St., Hadath, Baabda, Lebanon
Watsapp Hotline Number: 71-418-657
Telephone Numbers: +961 71 418 657, +961 05 953 523
Email: pololebanon@yahoo.com
Website: https://pololebanon.weebly.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pololebanon
Google Map Location
Please check out the location guide below of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon for POLO Beirut office