If you’re an OFW in the Czech Republic vacationing in the Philippines, getting your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) is necessary whenever leaving the country to return to your job site. This document is essential for first-time and returning workers. So if you’re wondering how to get OEC in Prague, Czech Republic, keep reading.
Note: POLO Berlin office is currently the one handling the OEC, according to a latest announcement on Facebook, is currently the labor office that handles POLO-OWWA concerns for OFWs in Czech. While there is still a Philippine embassy location in Prague, it is important to contact POLO Berlin for OEC, Contract Verification concerns.
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is an exit clearance issued to legal Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
This document certifies that the worker has a legal employer or work abroad and serve as a pass checked by the immigration officers before allowing OFWs to leave the Philippine airport for employment reasons. It also entitles OFWs with travel tax and terminal fees exemption, while their spouses and dependents qualify for reduced travel tax. Thus, OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic, are encouraged to get their OEC.
Contents
Requirements
Back then, POLO Geneva processes the OEC issuance for OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic. But according to their Facebook post, POLO Berlin, Germany, now handles the labor concerns of OFWs in the Czech Republic. Thus, OFWs in the Czech Republic should submit the following documents for OEC issuance to POLO Berlin as per DMW:
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
- 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 POEA 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
- 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 POEA 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
- 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
However, OFWs without a verified Employment Contract by POLO Berlin should submit the email scanned copies of the documentary requirements for Contract Verification to polo_germany@dole.gov.ph.
Processing Fees
To ensure the release of your OEC, pay the following fees to POLO Berlin, Germany:
- OEC Processing fee of €9.00
- OWWA membership fee of US25.00 converted to Euro
- Additionally, the principal will pay the following fees:
- POLO Verification fee of €9.00/page (For Individual Workers); €27.00/page (For Group of Workers)
- Recruitment Agreement fee of €9.00/page (For Individual Workers); €27.00/page (For Group of Workers)
- Job Order fee of €9.00/page (For Individual Workers); €27.00/page (For Group of Workers)
- Master Employment Contract fee of €9.00/page (For Individual Workers); €27.00/page (For Group of Workers)
Qualifications
Since DMW and POLO encourage OFWs to seek legal employment overseas to ensure their safety, the following individuals are the only ones qualified to get their 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 (GPB)
- 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 Filipinos with the following statuses don’t need to get their OEC whenever leaving the Philippines 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 Prague, Czech Republic
Although there are limited details on the website and Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Prague, OFWs should book an appointment to get their OEC at POLO Berlin.
Nonetheless, since it will take a 4-5 bus ride from Prague to get to Berlin, OFWs in the Czech Republic also have the option to get their OEC from DMW when they return to the Philippines.
But to book an OEC appointment, first, you need to register a POPS-BaM account by following these steps:
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
For those who already have a POPS-BaM account or recently registered one, ensure that you have complete and updated employment details before booking an appointment to avoid conflicts during the OEC issuance.
If you have an old BM account, you can transfer your records on POPS-BaM by clicking Transfer Old BM records under the DMW Helpdesk section. Then, follow these steps to book an OEC appointment with POLO Berlin or DMW:
- 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 Prague, Czech Republic
OFWs returning to a different employer and job site should visit POLO Berlin or DMW offices in the Philippines to get their OEC. It is also ideal to contact the Philippine Embassy in Prague regarding the latest OEC issuance process because their social pages contain few details.
On the contrary, POLO Berlin will not release the OEC of OFWs without existing records on DMW, verified Employment Contract, or those who came to the Czech Republic with a tourist or visit visa and obtained a work visa. Instead, those workers should verify their Employment Contract with POLO Berlin and use it when applying for OEC in DMW. So whether you’re applying for OEC at POLO Berlin or DMW, follow these steps:
- Visit POLO Berlin or the DMW office on the date of your appointment.
- Proceed to the receptionist and show your requirements.
- 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 Prague, Czech Republic
For Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site and those hired by the GPB, you can get your exit clearance online via POPS-BaM as you’re qualified for OEC exemption. To do so, follow these steps:
- 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 via POPS-BaM
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, you can get an OEC exemption online via POPS-BaM. OFWs only need to register and log in to their POPS-BaM account. However, OEC exemption is only accessible by Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Prague, Czech Republic?
You need to log in to your POPS-BaM account, and you should be a worker returning to the same employer and job site to get an OEC exemption.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Register and log in to your POPS-BaM account. Then, follow the guide above on how to book an OEC appointment.
3. Can I get OEC in Prague, Czech Republic, without an appointment?
You need an appointment for OEC issuance, whether at DMW or POLO.
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 Prague, Czech Republic?
The OEC processing fee is €9.00.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
You need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.
Summary
Overall, OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic, can choose to get their OEC from POLO Berlin, especially if vacationing in the Philippines for less than two months. Since OEC only has 60 days validity, OFWs can also get their OEC from any DMW offices in the Philippines to ensure its validity.
Thus, OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic, should apply for their OEC to ensure their return to their job site and access the benefits, assistance, and protection from the government.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Senovážné Square 8, 110 00 Praha 1
Telephone Number: +420224216397, +420224216385
Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://praguepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic
POLO Berlin, Germany
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin (Mitte), Germany
Telephone Number: +49 (0) 30 864 9500 Local 301
Mobile/Viber Number for OEC, Contract Verification, and AKAP: +49 1766 151 2953
For employment concerns: +49 176 32236928
Email: polo_germany@dole.gov.ph
Website: http://poloberlin.dole.gov.ph/, http://philippine-embassy.de/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinGermany/
Google Map Location
Here is a location map of the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czechia: