OFWs in Rome, Italy, who are going home for a quick vacation in the Philippines should get their OEC if returning to Rome to fulfill or continue overseas work. Without an OEC, the worker will not be allowed to leave the country, resulting in delayed employment. So before going on a long-awaited vacation to be with your family and friends, keep reading to learn how to get your OEC in Rome, Italy.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Rome, Italy
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will need to go home to the Philippines from time to time for various reasons, such as vacation, emergency, or the end of a contract. Thus, OFWs need to get their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or at the Philippine Labor Office (POLO) across the world if returning to work overseas.
OEC certifies that the worker has legal employment and has a record on POEA’s database. Furthermore, it is an exit clearance OFWs have to present to Philippine immigration officers before they’re permitted to depart. In short, OEC is a necessary document OFWs need to secure to return to Italy for work.
Contents
Requirements
As stated on the official website of the Embassy of the Philippines in Rome, Italy, here are the following requirements OFWs need to present for OEC application:
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- Duly accomplished BM Information Sheet
- Proof of existing employment, such as:
- Latest INPS Payment
- Busta Paga
- Company or business office Certificate of Employment
- Passport (with at least six months validity before the date of departure)
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Valid Work Permit or Permit to Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno or Carta Soggiorno)
- Active OWWA membership
- Pag-IBIG Fund membership
In addition, OFWs should bring other documents related to work for questioning and verification of employment status.
Additional Documents
On the contrary, OFWs without POLO verified Employment Contracts need to secure the following additional documents for Contract Verification and Authentication.
Submit the following in three sets, including 1-original copy and 2-photocopies:
- Nulla Osta
- Verification Form 1 (Deed of Undertaking)
- Verification Form 2 if the Datore di Lavoro is unable to apply in person (Authorization/Statement of Guarantee)
Attach the following per set:
- Photocopy of Employer’s ID or Passport with signature
- Photocopy of the worker’s Passport
- If the worker is unable to apply in person, attach a Passport photocopy of the representative
If hired by officers or diplomats of an International Organization, also present the following:
- Employer’s Certification of Employment from the Administrative Officer
- Copy of the Note Verbale requesting the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a visa to the employee or household worker
Additionally, OFWs in Malta and Albani may process their contract verification with POLO Rome by securing the requirements listed here and submitting the documents at polo.roma@yahoo.com.
Processing Fees
The following fees are payable before the worker’s OEC is issued:
- OEC processing fee of €2.00
- Verification of Contract fee of €10.00
- Authentication fee of €22.50
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00 (converted to local currency based on monthly foreign exchange)
Qualifications
Aside from serving as an exit pass, OEC aims to encourage OFWs to secure legal work abroad and provide them privileges such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption. So POEA and POLO issue OED to the following 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)
- 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 Rome, Italy
Also, according to the official website of POLO Rome, only OFWs with Permits to Stay for Work (Permesso di Soggiorndo Lavoro Subordinato) should secure their OEC. Nonetheless, Filipino residents in Italy, those with dual citizenships, and their dependents are no longer required to secure and present OEC when departing the Philippines.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Rome, Italy
On the announcement on the website of POLO Rome, they require an appointment for applicants who need to transact personally. POLO Rome office won’t entertain walk-ins, so ensure to book an OEC appointment before visiting. To do so, register on the new appointment system POPS-BaM by following the steps below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Visit the POEA 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
Once you have registered and completed the setup of your POPS-BaM account, you may book an OEC appointment with the POLO Rome office. If old BM accounts exist, transfer your records to POPS-BaM. Just click Transfer Old BM records on the POEA Helpdesk section to match your information on POPS-BaM. Then, book an OEC appointment with POLO Rome 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, 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.
- Afterward, take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Rome, Italy
If you’re not returning to the same employer and job site or changed employers on-site, it is required to book an appointment and get your OEC at POLO Rome. However, OFWs who arrived in Italy with a tourist or visit visa and later obtained a work visa won’t be able to get their OEC at POLO Rome.
The said workers have to apply for their OEC at POEA offices in the Philippines since they don’t have an existing POEA record. POLO Rome can only help with the contract verification of the worker as a requirement to apply for OEC in the Philippines. To apply for OEC in POLO Rome, follow the steps below:
- Before going to the POLO Rome office, confirm your appointment due to changing regulations of Covid-19.
- On the day of your appointment, secure and fill out the BM Information Sheet from the reception officer.
- Submit your requirements.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the release of your documents and three copies of your OEC.
OFWs can also secure their OEC by attending Consular Outreach conducted by POLO Rome across Italy. You may check the Facebook page of POLO Rome for the upcoming schedule and location of Consular Outreach.
Furthermore, POLO Rome has jurisdiction in the Italy regions, including Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Marché, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, and Umbria, and has concurrent jurisdiction on Malta, San Marino, and Albania. So OFWs in the said areas may contact POLO Rome for OEC application.
How to Get OEC Online in Rome, Italy
OFWs may only get their OEC online if they’re Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site. Requesting OEC online is also advised to prevent the crowd in the POLO Rome office. In addition, workers returning to Italy hired by the GBP may also get their OEC online. The workers who can get their OEC online can enjoy OEC exemption, which doesn’t require paying the OEC processing fee. To get OEC online in Rome, 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.
- 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.
- Then, print your OEC online and only request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: Paano kumuha ng OEC Exemption?
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
OFWs can get an OEC exemption via POPS-BaM. If the worker is qualified to get an OEC exemption, they can print online their OEC. However, it is only for Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out the following questions and answers about the OEC certificate process in Rome:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Rome, Italy?
Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site can get an OEC exemption. Also, you need to register an account on POPS-BaM.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Register an account on the POPS-BaM website to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in Rome, Italy, without an appointment?
The POLO Rome office requires an appointment for OEC issuance.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
OFWs can get OEC at the airport if they have confirmed flight bookings or are on emergency leave.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Rome, Italy?
The OEC fee in Rome, Italy, is €2.00.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
An active OWWA membership is necessary for OEC application.
Summary
To sum up, OEC is an essential document OFWs should secure if they’re planning to return to Rome, Italy, for employment. It also provides OFWs with benefits and protections, which they can enjoy while working abroad.
Thus, OFWs in Rome, Italy, should get their OEC within 60 days of their flight date to ensure its validity.
Contact Details
POLO Rome
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Via Aurelia 290 / A, 00165 Rome, Italy
Contact Number: +39 06 557 5702
Email: services@polorome.com, polo.roma@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.polorome.com/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/POLORomeIT/
Google Map Location
Below is a map guide to the location of the Rome POLO-OWWA office in Italy: