The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document that is required for Filipino workers who are deployed overseas. The OEC serves as an exit clearance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and it is also proof that the worker has undergone the pre-employment documentary requirements.
In order to obtain an OEC, workers must first secure a job offer from an employer who is based in an overseas country. Once the job offer has been secured, workers must then apply for an OEC at the POEA. The process of applying for an OEC can be done online, and it typically takes around two weeks to complete. After the OEC has been issued, workers are then free to depart for their overseas job.
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For OFWs in Macau planning to take a holiday break in the Philippines for emergency reasons or a leisure vacation, acquiring your OEC is necessary if you’re still returning to your job site to fulfill or renew your employment contract. This document certifies that you have a legal employer and are allowed to leave the country for employment reasons. And if you’re an OFW in Macau, read our in-depth guide on how to get OEC in Macau.
A document issued by the DMW office, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is an essential document issued to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that verify the legality of their work abroad.
In addition, the OEC act as an exit clearance OFWs should present to immigration officers before they’re permitted to leave the Philippine airport. In short, OFWs who fail to bring a valid OEC during their return flight date won’t be allowed to depart to their job site. Thus, OFWs in Macau are encouraged to get OEC at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Macau to ensure their return to work abroad.
Contents
Requirements
To get your OEC from POLO Macau, here are the following documents you need to secure 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
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- 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
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 (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- 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 (copy of photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
Additional documents for Household Service Workers (HSWs)
For new-hire HSWs
- Entry Permit for Work Purposes
- Exemption from Entry Restriction issued by Macau Authorities
For vacationing and returning HSWs
- Macau Non-resident Workers ID (blue card) valid for at least 3-months
- Exemption from Entry Restriction issued by Macau Authorities
Processing Fees
Aside from the requirements stated above, here are the following applicable fees you should settle before your OEC is issued by POLO Macau, converted to MOP$ based on the foreign exchange rate:
- OEC processing fee of P100
- OWWA membership fee of US$25
Qualifications
Since DMW and the Philippine government aim to protect OFWs while working abroad, the primary purpose of OEC is to verify whether or not they have acquired legal employment overseas. Moreover, OEC holder provides OFWs with benefits such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. If traveling with their spouses and dependents, they’re also entitled to reduced travel tax. However, DMW and POLO only issue OEC to the following workers:
- 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
While OEC is necessary for OFWs, Filipinos holding the following status are not required to acquire an 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 Macau
If you fall under the qualified workers stated above, the next step is to book an OEC appointment with POLO Macau. But first, you need to register a POPS-BaM account to book an OEC appointment. To do so, follow the steps below to register on POPS-BaM:
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 registered a POPS-BaM account, review your employment details and update your record if necessary before booking an OEC appointment. But if you have an old BM account, you may transfer your records to POPS-BaM. Just click Transfer old BM record on the DMW Helpdesk section. Then, book an OEC appointment by following 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 Macau
For OFWs returning to a different employer or job site, you should personally apply for your OEC in POLO Macau, so booking an appointment beforehand is necessary.
On the other hand, POLO Macau will not issue the OEC to workers without a verified Employment Contract, existing records on DMW, and those who initially arrived in the country with a tourist or visit visa and obtained a work visa. Instead, those workers should verify their Employment Contract from POLO Macau and book an OEC appointment at DMW offices in the Philippines. To apply for OEC in POLO Macau, follow the steps below:
- Head to POLO Macau on your appointment date.
- Go to the receptionist to present your documents for verification.
- Fill out and submit 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 Macau
If you’re a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site, it is encouraged to get OEC online via POPS-BaM. Through the OEC exemption, you no longer need to pay the processing fee, which also applies to returning workers hired by the GBP. To get OEC online in Macau, 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: OFWs Apply for OEC Certificate in Macau
Here’s a video uploaded by one of our kabayans sharing their experience applying for an OEC certificate in Macau:
Video: BABALA SA MGA EXEMPTED NA SA OEC NGUNIT HINDI MAKAKUHA NG OEC EXEMPTION SA POPSBAM
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site who are having difficulties printing their OEC online via POPS-BaM should visit any DMW office without an appointment. Since the worker is a Balik Manggagawa, directly proceed to the printing area to claim OEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Macau?
To get an OEC exemption in Macau, log in to your POPS-BaM account. Next, confirm that you’re a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site. Then, print your OEC online.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
To book an OEC appointment online, log in to POPS-BaM. Click the Balik Manggagawa section and proceed to book an OEC appointment.
3. Can I get OEC in Macau without an appointment?
Securing your OEC in POLO Macau requires an appointment.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the airport if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Macau?
The OEC fee in Macau is P100, converted to MOP$.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, you’ll need an active OWWA membership since it’s a requirement for OEC issuance.
Summary
In summary, OFWs in Macau should ensure that they have a valid OEC whenever vacationing in the Philippines and returning to their job site afterward. For Balik Manggagawa, DMW also encourages you to get your OEC online as you no longer have to submit documentary requirements and pay the processing fee.
So if you’re vacationing soon, follow this guide or reach out to POLO Macau with their contact details below for more information.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA Macau
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday (excluding holidays)
Address: 1406 14th Floor AIA Tower Building 251A-301, Avenida Comercial de Macau, Macau SAR
Telephone Numbers: Landline- +853 2871 5039, POLO- +853 6687 2509, OWWA- +853 6258 7887
E-mail: polomacau@yahoo.com/polomacau.info@gmail.com, macau@owwa.gov.ph/owwamacau@polo-owwa
Website: https://polomacau.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page:https://facebook.com/PoloOwwaPhilcongenMacau/, https://facebook.com/PHinMacau
Google Map Location
Please check out the POLO Macau office map guide below: