OFWs in Singapore vacationing in the Philippines and leaving for overseas work should apply for an OEC. This document is necessary since it is needed to obtain employment and leave the Philippines to work in Singapore. And if you’re wondering how to apply for OEC in Singapore, check out this handy guide for your next application.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment and Membership in Singapore
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a required document of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) leaving the country to work abroad.
OEC is also referred to as an exit clearance that immigration officers checks, verifying the legal employment and documentation of an OFW. Thus, OFWs in Singapore should apply for an OEC whenever traveling back and forth from the Philippines to their overseas work.
Contents
Requirements
As stated on the POLO Singapore website, the documentary requirement for OEC application will vary depending on the type of workers. POLO Singapore also considers an individual a professional and skilled worker if they hold an E-Pass, S-Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, and Work Permit for Non-Domestic Workers. On the other hand, an individual is a domestic worker if they hold Singapore’s Work Permit.
For workers who have existing POEA records and vacationing for the first time in the Philippines and returning to their previous employer, here are the requirements you need to secure:
- Online Appointment Information (POPS-BaM)
- POLO Verified Employment Contract
- Original and two photocopies of passport valid for at least six months before the date of departure
- Photocopy of Valid Work Pass or In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Confirmed Airline Ticket or other documents containing flight information
If workers have an existing POEA record and change their employer on-site, it is also required to present a Sworn Statement, which indicates the employment process from the new employer.
In addition, workers with an existing record in POEA and returning to the same employer but relocated to a different job site should submit a Letter from the employer which indicates the transfer.
However, if the worker doesn’t have an existing POEA record, POLO Singapore or the POEA office won’t issue the OEC. They can only verify the worker’s employment contract since they need to apply for OEC at POEA offices in the Philippines.
So if POLO didn’t verify your OEC, secure the following additional requirement to verify the contract, a prerequisite to applying for OEC.
For Professional/Skilled Workers
- Original and Signed Employment Contract/ Offer of Employment
- Photocopy of Valid Work Pass or In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Any proof of existing employment such as valid company ID, certificate of work, or latest payslip
- Sworn Statement (for workers changing employer on-site)
- Letter from the same employer explaining the worker’s transfer of workplace
For Domestic Workers
- Original and Signed Standard Employment Contract/ Offer of Employment for Domestic Workers
- Original Signed Undertaking of Employer
- Photocopy of Valid Work Pass or In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Copy of Employer’s ID
- Original Letter of Guarantee for the Seven Thousand Singapore Dollars (SGD 7,000.00) Philippine Embassy Bond with two years validity from Singapore’s trusted insurance company.
- Sworn Statement indicating the employment process the worker undergoes from the new employer
- Letter from the same employer explaining the worker’s transfer of workplace
Processing Fees
Apart from securing documents, OFWs need to pay necessary fees to acquire an OEC. POLO Singapore only accepts cash payment, so ensure to prepare the exact amount of the following fees.
- OEC fee of SG$3.00
- Verification fee of SG$17.00
- OWWA Membership fee of SG$36.00
Qualifications
The primary purpose of POEA in issuing OEC is to ensure that all OFWs leaving the country have legal employment and undergo proper documentation. It also assures that OFWs are protected and will receive benefits from the Philippine government. However, POEA only issues the OEC to qualified workers, 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)
According to POLO Singapore, professional and skilled workers who hold an E-Pass, S-Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, and Work Permit for Non-Domestic Workers can apply for an OEC. Moreover, OFWs returning to their previous employer and in the same or different job site to continue or extend their employment contract can apply for OEC.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Singapore
Since OFWs applying for an OEC need to book an appointment, ensure a confirmed schedule before visiting the POLO Singapore office. Also, creating a POPS-BaM e-Registration account is necessary to book an OEC appointment online. So if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account, follow the steps below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click Let’s Go and Register.
- Click the I Accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the required fields and click Register.
- Check the email you use on the registration and copy the Temporary Password.
- Go back to the POPS-BaM website and log in with your registered email address.
- Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
- Go to My Profile and add the necessary details.
- Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
- Enter your Identification Details.
- Add your Beneficiaries.
- Then, upload a Profile Picture and Passport to finish your account setup.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
Once you’ve completed your POPS-BaM account setup, you can now book an OEC appointment with POLO Singapore. If an old BM account exists, you can go to the POEA helpdesk on the POPS-BaM website. Then, click Transfer Old BM records to update your e-Registration account details. In addition, ensure that your OWWA membership is active. To book an OEC appointment with POLO Singapore, follow the steps below:
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click Let’s Go and log in with your email address and password.
- Ensure that your account details are complete or provide the missing data to proceed.
- On the right side of the dashboard, select Balik Manggagawa under My Links and click Next.
- Enter your flight date and click Next.
- If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa, answer NO to the questions to continue booking.
- Change the details of your contract and click Submit.
- Select the Processing Site and click Next.
- Choose from the available appointment date and time.
- Then, take a screenshot or print the confirmed appointment schedule.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Singapore
If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer, you need to apply for OEC in the POLO Singapore office. Additionally, OFWs who change employers on-site need to secure an OEC if they’re vacationing in the Philippines and returning to Singapore to work. So to apply for OEC in POLO Singapore, follow the steps below.
- Go to the POLO Singapore office on the date of your appointment.
- Show the security guard a copy of your confirmed appointment schedule.
- Submit your documents to the reception officer for verification.
- Head to the counter and pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC or print the copy online on the POP-BaM system.
How to Get OEC Online in Singapore
OFWs who want to get their OEC online in Singapore need to be a Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer. It is also the recommended process since it is more convenient and no longer needs visiting the POLO Singapore office.
Also, getting an OEC online is for OFWs qualified to avail of exemption. Thus, if you’re not returning to the same employer or have changed an employer in Singapore, you cannot avail of OEC online and exemption.
Video: HOW to Get OEC EXEMPTION ONLINE IN POEA’S NEW SYSTEM|HOW TO FIX IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED ACCOUNT EXIST
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
As shown in the video, OFWs considered Balik Manggagawa can avail of OEC exemption online using the POPS-BaM system. OFWs only need to create an e-Registration account to avail of exemption. The POPS-BaM system also has a helpdesk section where OFWs can report account issues or transfer their old BM records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the OEC Balik Manggagawa certificate process in Singapore:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Singapore?
You can get an OEC exemption if you’re a Balik Manggagawa available on the POPS-BaM system.
2. How can I get OEC online in Singapore?
If you’re a Balik Manggagawa, you can get an OEC online while in Singapore.
3. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You need to have an e-Registration account on the POPS-BaM system to book an OEC appointment online.
4. Can I get OEC in Singapore without an appointment?
An appointment is necessary when applying for an OEC in Singapore.
5. Can I get OEC at the airport?
The OEC is accessible at the airports in the Philippines for OFWs under emergency leave or who have confirmed flight bookings.
6. How long is OEC valid?
The OEC is only valid for 60 days.
7. How much is the OEC fee in Singapore?
The OEC fee in Singapore is SG$3.00.
8. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, an active OWWA membership status is needed to get an OEC.
Summary
In summary, applying for an OEC in POLO Singapore is very convenient since OFWs can select their preferred appointment schedule and ensure to receive service on their visit. Furthermore, Balik Manggagawa can conveniently get their OEC online and avail of exemption via POPS-BaM.
The OEC is also beneficial, providing OFWs with privileges of travel tax and terminal fees exemption. Thus, OFWs should always secure an OEC when traveling for work.
Contact Details
POLO Singapore
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395
Telephone Number: +65 9113 6552
Office Phone: +65 67373977 (Ext. 134 and 135 for Contract Verification/Agency Accreditation /OEC Concerns)
Hotline Number: +65 9113 6552 (for Contract Verification/Agency Accreditation/OEC Concerns)
Email: polosingapore@yahoo.com, oecpolosingapore@gmail.com (for OEC Concerns)
Website: https://polosingapore.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook page: https://facebook.com/POLOSPORE
Google Map Location
Here’s the location of the POLO-OWWA Singapore office: