To OFWs in the United Kingdom who will have a vacation in the Philippines and return to their work should apply for OEC. You may secure your OEC from the POLO London office, and the application is via online process due to the implemented physical distancing measures. So if you need to get your OEC the soonest, please follow the guidelines below.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) should secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) to document and prove their legal work abroad, which is issued by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
Also Read: OWWA Appointment Membership London, UK
It serves as an exit clearance and is presented to the Philippine immigration officers before OFWs leave the country. Thus, for OFWs vacationing or who have an end of a contract and will extend their employment, OEC is necessary when departing the country.
Contents
Requirements
OFWs vacationing in the Philippines and returning to work in the United Kingdom are required to submit the following documents to the POLO London office for OEC issuance:
For workers returning to the same employer:
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- Passport (with at least six months validity before the date of departure)
- GNIB card/ IRP card (Residence Permit)
- Proof of Employment such as Company ID, Certificate of Employment, or payslip
For workers returning to a different employer, changed employers on-site, or transferred to the United Kingdom/Ireland from another country:
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Passport (with at least six months validity before the date of departure)
- GNIB card/ IRP card (Front and back pages of Biometric Residence Permit)
- Proof of Employment such as Company ID, Certificate of Employment, or payslip
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
- Or Letter from the employer verifying the transfer of job site
Additional Documents
On the other hand, if the worker arrives in the United Kingdom and only has a tourist/ student/ visit visa and later on converted to a working visa, the applicant should comply with the following documents for verification of the employment contract:
- Employment contract containing the worker and employer’s signature
- Front and back pages of Biometric Residence Permit containing the NI number and work visa with validating covering the return date to the job site
- Company ID or latest payslip
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
- If renewing your OWWA membership, submit the OWWA membership form
Processing Fees
The following are the applicable fees OFWs need to pay to get OEC:
- OEC processing fee of £2
- Verification of Contract fee of £9
- OWWA membership fee of £23
Qualifications
OFWs that possess an OEC can ensure the return to their overseas work and access privileges from the Philippine government, such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. So POEA and POLO only issue OEC to workers with legal employment, including the following:
- 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 the United Kingdom
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO London, United Kingdom
According to the Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom website, all visits are by appointment only. So OFWs should book an appointment with the POLO office located on the same premise as the Embassy.
In addition, while the OEC issuance in the United Kingdom is via an online process, an appointment is necessary as the POPS-BaM Appointment form is a primary requirement for the application. And to get an Appointment form, you need to register an account on the new online appointment system by following the steps below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Under 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 email that you registered on POPS-BaM. Then, copy the sent Temporary Password.
- Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
- On the right of your dashboard, click My Profile.
- 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 provided the necessary details for your profile, you can book an OEC appointment with the POLO London, United Kingdom, to secure the POPS-BaM Appointment form. But if you have an old BM account, you may transfer your details to the POPS-BaM website. Go to the POEA Helpdesk section. Next, click Transfer Old BM records to update your newly registered POPS-BaM account. Then, book an OEC appointment 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, look for My Links. Then under it, click Balik Manggagawa and Next.
- If you have an incomplete account, provide the required data to continue.
- 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 continue booking.
- Update necessary details on your contract and click Submit.
- Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
- Afterward, screenshot or print your confirmed appointment schedule.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO London, United Kingdom
The Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom, follows the Covid-19 health and safety restrictions imposed by the United Kingdom Government, requiring workers to work from home and online transactions. So OFWs applying for their OEC are instructed by the POLO London office to email their requirements at polo_london13@yahoo.co.uk.
On the email, make OEC ONLINE as the title if returning to the same employer. But if you need to verify your Employment Contract, indicate EC REG on the subject and include the required documents for the OEC request. Then, you will receive your validated documents and e-copies in your email. Once the POLO London office allows a physical visit, you can pick up your receipts or send your addressed stamped envelope to receive your documents mail.
However, workers who came to the United Kingdom without a working visa and an existing record in the POEA database should apply for their OEC at POEA offices in the Philippines. POLO London will only verify their employment contract as a requirement for OEC application in the Philippines.
How to Get OEC Online in London, United Kingdom
Securing an OEC online is only accessible by Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site. They’re qualified to avail of OEC exemption and print their OEC through the POPS-BaM website.
If the worker is returning to a different employer, job site, or changing employers on-site, follow the online process above by sending your document to POLO London email. To get an 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.
- Under My Links, click Balik Manggagawa.
- If you have an incomplete profile, provide the missing data to proceed.
- Input your Flight Date and click Next.
- Answer Yes if you’re returning to the same employer and job site.
- Afterward, print your OEC online. Also, request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: Pagkuha ng OEC sa Bagong Website ng POEA or DMW Department of Migrant Workers
For more details on the OEC application, watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs can get their OEC online through the POPS-BaM website. The details on the contract can also be updated, making the application easier. If the worker returns to the same employer, they can print their OEC online via the POPS-BaM website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions about the POLO office in London and the OEC Certificate:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in the United Kingdom?
You can only get an OEC exemption if you’re a Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer. Then, log in to your POPS-BaM account to get your OEC online.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You need to register an account on the POPS-BaM website to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in the United Kingdom without an appointment?
No, an OEC appointment is necessary whether applying on-site or sending your requirements to the POLO London office.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
Yes, you can get OEC at the Philippine airport, especially if on emergency leave or have a confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in the United Kingdom?
The OEC fee in the United Kingdom is £2.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, since an active OWWA membership status is necessary for OEC issuance.
Summary
In summary, the application for OEC in the United Kingdom is safe and convenient for all OFWs. If the worker is not a Balik Manggagawa, they can still apply for their OEC online by sending their requirements to the POLO London office email.
While Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer are encouraged to avail of OEC exemption on the POPS-BaM website. Also, the OEC should be secure within 60 days of the workers’ confirmed flight date, so make sure to secure your OEC in time to ensure validity.
Contact Details
POLO London
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 6-11 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG, London, United Kingdom
POLO Telephone Number: (+44) 20 7839 8078
Email: polo_london@dole.gov.ph, polo_london13@yahoo.co.uk
Website: https://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/labor-welfare
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/POLOOWWALONDON
Google Map Location
Please see the map guide to the location of POLO-office in London below: