The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a crucial document for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that certifies they are legally employed abroad. For direct-hire OFWs, there is a specific process for obtaining the OEC. Here is a comprehensive guide for obtaining an OEC for direct-hire OFWs.
Phase 1: Obtaining POEA Clearance
1. Verifying Exemption from the Direct Hire Ban
Professionals and skilled workers are exempted from the direct hire ban and require an endorsement letter from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) near their workplace abroad.
Direct-hire OFWs must submit the necessary documents for POEA Clearance, which will exempt them from the direct hiring ban.
Here are the main points about exemptions from the direct hire ban:
- Exemption of Skilled Workers: Since 2016, skilled workers are not covered by the direct hiring ban. This was further strengthened by Memorandum Circular No. 08 of 2018.
- Specific Groups that are Exempted: Those not covered by the ban include foreign diplomats, international organizations such as the United Nations and ASEAN, heads of state and high-ranking government officials, and professionals and skilled workers with verified or authenticated employment contracts that comply with POEA standards.
- Permanent Residents and Their Families: Permanent residents of the host country who are bringing their family or relatives, except for domestic workers, household service workers, or lived-in caregivers, are also exempted from the ban.
- Process for New Employment Contract: OFWs with a new employment contract must repeat the process of first-timers.
2. Required Documents
When obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) as a Direct-Hire OFW, it is important to prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport: This is your primary document needed for traveling to another country.
- Work Visa or Permit: This document proves that you are legally allowed to work in the country you are going to.
- Employment Contract: This is the agreement between you and your employer that outlines the terms and conditions of your work.
- Company Profile: This important document shows information about the company you will be working for.
- POLO Endorsement: A document from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office that certifies that your employer complies with the rules and regulations of working abroad.
- Other Additional Documents: Depending on the situation, the POEA may require other documents such as a medical certificate, training certificates, and others.
3. Creating an e-Registration Account
You need to create an e-Registration account on the POEA e-Services Portal and complete your profile.
Here are the steps to create your e-Registration account:
- Visit the Website: Go to the POEA e-Registration website and find the “Register” button located at the bottom of the landing page.
- Accept the Terms: Read carefully and select “I Accept Terms of Use” after reading the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.
- Fill in Personal Information: Fill in the form with your personal information such as your name, gender, email address, date of birth, passport number, and the date when it will expire.
- Create a Password: Click “Register” and follow the instructions to log in using the Initial Password you will receive in your email. Then, set a new password for your account.
- Attach Profile Picture: Within your account, select “Attach Profile Picture” and upload a photo that meets the POEA requirements.
- Upload Passport: Click “Attach Passport” and upload a copy of the first page of your passport.
- Complete Profile: Go to the “My Profile” tab and enter additional personal information.
- Add Identification Documents: Enter the information of your identification documents and your family within the portal.
- Education and Certificates: Go to “My Education” and enter information about your educational attainment, certificates, trainings, and language proficiency.
- Work Experience: In the “My Experience” tab, add information about your work preference and experience.
- Add Other Documents: In the “My Documents” tab, upload documents such as NBI clearance, medical certificate, and offence clearance if needed.
- View and Print Information Sheet: Go to the “My Resume” tab to view and print your information sheet that may be needed for your application.
4. Medical and Insurance Coverage
A fit-to-work medical certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic and insurance coverage for cases of illness, death, and other unexpected events in the country of work are required.
Here are the steps to obtain a fit-to-work certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic in the Philippines:
- Choose a Clinic or Hospital: Choose a hospital, health center, or clinic that is accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) for your medical examination.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the chosen medical practitioner. This can be done in person or through online platforms such as E-Konsulta.
- Attend the Physical Examination: Personally attend the scheduled appointment for the physical examination where your vital signs, blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate will be checked. A urine or blood sample may also be needed for laboratory testing.
- Complete Lab Tests: If required, undergo all requested lab tests and submit the laboratory results to the clinic or hospital.
- Show Valid ID: Show a valid government-issued ID as proof of your identity.
- Pay for the Service: Pay for the service related to obtaining a medical certificate. You can safely pay online if using online service platforms.
- Get the Medical Certificate: After completing the examination and lab tests, and proving that you are fit to work, you will receive a medical certificate from the medical practitioner.
- Online Medical Certificate Acquisition: For those without time or resources to go to a hospital or health center, online services such as E-Konsulta can be used to obtain a medical certificate and other medical-related documents.
5. Attending Online Seminars
You need to complete the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) and Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).
Phase 2: Obtaining the OEC
1. OEC Processing
Once your POEA Clearance is approved, you can proceed with obtaining your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Remember that there is no appointment system for the Direct Hire Department of POEA, so you must go there on a walk-in basis.
The processing of your OEC may take approximately seven working days. During this time, ensure that all your documents are complete and in order to avoid any delays or issues with your application.
2. Payment of Fees
In the process of obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for Direct Hire OFWs, there are several fees that applicants need to prepare and pay. The following is a detailed list of fees based on the latest information from various reliable sources:
- POEA Processing Fee: The fee for processing at POEA is Php 120.00.
- OWWA Membership Fee: The contribution for membership in OWWA is USD 25.00 or its equivalent in pesos.
- PhilHealth Premium: The premium for PhilHealth that provides one year of coverage is Php 2,400.00.
- Pag-IBIG Membership Fee: The minimum contribution for the Pag-IBIG Fund is Php 100.00 per month.
It is important to note that these fees may change and should be verified with the relevant agencies before processing the OEC. These fees are essential to ensure that an OFW is protected and has access to benefits while working abroad.
3. Printing the OEC
After you have made the payment, you can print a copy of your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) through the POEA online services portal. Ensure that all the information on your OEC is clear and complete.
Note that the OEC is only valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This document is only for a single exit from the country. Therefore, if you plan to return to the Philippines and go abroad again within a short period, you will need to obtain a new OEC.
New Systems and Processes
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) continuously improves their systems to facilitate the process for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). They have recently launched a new online system called POEA Online Processing Systems for Direct-Hire or “POPS-Direct” for first-time direct hires.
POPS-Direct for First-Time Direct Hires
Through POPS-Direct, first-time direct hire OFWs can now upload and process documents without the need to queue at POEA offices.
POPS-BaM: The Replacement for BM Online
As part of the changes, BM Online will be replaced by POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) starting June 30, 2021. The new system is expected to provide faster and more efficient service for returning workers.
Change of Employer or Job Site
Remember that if you have changed your employer or job site, you are no longer eligible for online OEC processing. Instead, you must use the POEA’s online appointment system.
Acquiring POEA Clearance and OEC Online
Starting January 2022, DMW/POEA has been processing documents online. This way, the process of obtaining POEA Clearance and OEC for OFWs is made easier and faster.
In obtaining the OEC for direct-hire OFWs, it is important to follow these steps and prepare the necessary documents to ensure a smooth and quick process. Remember that the OEC is not just a piece of paper but a protection for OFWs to ensure that they are properly documented and can work safely abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do direct-hire OFWs returning to the same employer need to undergo Phases 1 & 2 again?
Direct-hire OFWs returning to the same employer do not need to undergo Phases 1 & 2 again. They can apply for a new OEC online.
2. Do direct-hire OFWs returning to the same country but with a different employer need to undergo Phases 1 & 2 again?
Yes, they need to undergo Phases 1 & 2 again.
3. Do workers hired through a recruitment agency need to undergo Phases 1 & 2?
No, these phases are only for direct-hire OFWs.
4. What is the process for applying as a direct-hire OFW?
All applications for direct-hire must go through the POPS-Direct system. Applicants need to upload their documents, get their clearance, and wait for their schedule.
5. Where can one apply as a direct-hire OFW?
The POEA can now accommodate more OFWs by offering direct-hire processing at their regional offices.
6. Where can one attend the PDOS?
The PDOS can be attended physically or online. Updates about the online PDOS service can be checked on the CFO website.
7. How long is the approval process for direct-hire OFW?
The approval process for direct-hire OFW takes time because of various requirements. The online submission of Phase 1 requirements takes about an hour or two. The approval of your POEA clearance takes about 3 to 7 working days.
After Phase 1 is approved, you need to wait for your schedule. Phase 2 will take another day to complete.
8. Are self-employed visas included in the scope of the POEA?
Self-employed visas are outside the scope of the POEA. If you choose to become an employee, you must accept all associated risks.
9. What is the validity of the OEC for direct-hire OFWs?
The validity of the OEC for direct-hire OFWs is 60 days after it is issued and can only be used for a single exit from the Philippines.