How to Apply for OEC Certificate in Abu Dhabi

Are you a newly-hired overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who will soon be deployed abroad? Or perhaps you’re a “Balik Manggagawa” (returning OFW) who will be working abroad again. Either way, one of the documents that you need to show at the airport before leaving the Philippines is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

In this article, we will talk about how you can apply for an OEC through the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Abu Dhabi. This includes the specific requirements and steps in getting an OEC. Likewise, we will also discuss the steps for getting an OEC exemption, especially if you are an OFW who is returning to the same employer.

What is OEC?

Before anything else, let us define exactly what an OEC is, and why it is a required document for new and returning OFWs.

The OEC is a document issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Basically, it certifies that an OFW has appropriately registered his/her overseas employment with the POEA, thus serving as an “exit pass” or “clearance” before the OFW leaves the country. The OEC may be obtained by scheduling an appointment with a POEA office in the Philippines or a POLO office abroad.

In addition, having an OEC exempts the OFW from certain fees and requirements. According to Section 35 of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act 8042), the OEC serves as:

• A travel exit pass for OFWs at the airports;
• An exemption certificate from payment of travel tax and airport terminals fees (when presented to airline counters or airport terminal fee counters); and
• An OFW’s guarantee that he/she is covered by Philippine government protection and benefits.

What is Balik Manggagawa?

As mentioned earlier, “Balik Manggagawa” is a term used to describe an OFW who is currently on vacation or on leave, and is planning to return abroad again. He/She may also be referred to as a worker-on-leave (WOL).

Notably, each of the following persons may be considered as “Balik Manggagawa:”

• An OFW on leave/vacation who is returning to the same employer abroad;
• An OFW who has partially served his/her current employer; and
• An undocumented worker (e.g. tourist, student, dependent) who became an OFW and has partially served the same employer.

Requirements

To apply for an OEC, you need to prepare the following required documents:

• Printed copy of Balik Manggagawa Appointment;
• Valid Passport (original and one photocopy);
• Valid Work Visa (original and one photocopy) or electronic copy of new Emirates ID or Visa;
• Employment Contract verified by POLO (original copy);
• One photocopy of Company Trade License, Commercial License, or Company ID (for company-based employers); and
• One photocopy of Employer’s Emirates ID (for domestic workers).

How to Get an OEC in Abu Dhabi Online

Recently, the POEA introduced a new system for getting an OEC. It involves an online processing system, registering or creating an account, and setting an appointment with POEA or POLO to apply for an OEC. Here is a step-by-step guide to using this system:

1. Go to the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) website.
2. Click “Let’s Go!” on the e-Registration tab to register or to create an account. Be sure to use a valid email address. Enter the required information onscreen, check your email, and click the verification link.
3. Log into your account and fill-up or update your details. This includes your passport, visa, and employment details. Enter all the necessary information.
4. Next, it’s time to apply for an OEC. Go to “My Links” on the left tab, then click “Balik Manggagawa.”
5. See to it that the initial assessment is coloured green, then click “Next.”
6. Enter the date of your departure from the Philippines. Please note that an OEC is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Hence, you need to make sure that it will be valid on your date of departure, especially if you are planning to stay longer in the Philippines.
7. Confirm your employment details. The screen will show your latest employment information registered with the POEA. See to it that everything is marked “Clear.”
8. The system will ask, “Are you returning to this Jobsite?” (i.e. the same employer shown onscreen). If your answer is YES, please proceed to OEC Exemption (see below). If your answer is NO, please proceed to step no. 9.
9. Enter your latest/updated employment information. This includes the name of your employer, business permit, employer’s valid ID, employer’s address, and other details.
10. Choose the nearest POEA/POLO office, and set the date and time of your appointment.
11. Print your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet.
12. Bring your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet and other documents on the date of your appointment with POEA/POLO to get your OEC.

OEC Exemption

If you are returning to the same employer, you are exempted from OEC and you don’t need to go to the POEA/POLO for an appointment. However, you still need to register with the POEA Online Processing System and obtain a “Balik Manggagawa (BM) Exemption” instead. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Follow steps 1 to 8 as stated above (“How to Get an OEC in Abu Dhabi Online”). The system will ask, “Are you returning to this Jobsite?” (i.e. the same employer shown onscreen). Click “Yes.”
2. Make sure that all your employment details are correct and updated. Don’t forget to enter your contract start date and duration.
3. Once everything is complete, the system will generate your OEC or Balik Manggagawa Exemption. Print this document as proof that you are exempted.

Again, please remember that the OEC or Balik Manggagawa Exemption will be presented to immigration officials at the airport. To avoid any problems, do print a copy of this document and make sure that it is valid on the date of your departure.

How to Get an OEC at POLO Office in Abu Dhabi

While using the POEA Online Processing System, you will be asked whether you are returning to the same employer or not. If not, then you need to book an appointment with the nearest POEA/POLO office. Once you have an appointment, you need to make a personal appearance at the office in order to get your OEC.

Please be guided by the following steps

Part 1: Booking a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) Appoinment

1. Enter your latest employment details on the POEA Online Processing System. This applies to those who have a change of employer and/or jobsite, as well as to those who already have a record with POEA but have not yet registered to the new system.
2. After entering your details, click “Submit.”
3. Set a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) Appointment by choosing your preferred processing location (e.g. nearest POLO or POEA office).
4. Choose your preferred appointment date.
5. That’s it! You now have a BM Appointment.

NOTE: The following OFWs need to set an appointment with POEA only (not POLO): (a) undocumented workers without POEA records; (b) workers or employers who are under a watchlist; (c) OFWs returning to a restricted or non-compliant country; and (d) workers whose job positions are on the list of Mission Critical Skills.

Part 2: Getting an OEC at POLO Abu Dhabi

Once you have booked an appointment, you are now ready to get an OEC at POLO Abu Dhabi.

1. Go to POLO Abu Dhabi on the date of your appointment.
2. Submit all the required documents.
3. Pay AED 10.00 to the cashier.
4. That’s it! You will be given instructions on how to print your OEC.

On the date of your departure, present your OEC to immigration officials at the airport before boarding your flight. Once again, to avoid any problems, see to it that your OEC is valid on the date of your departure.

Video: How to Get an OEC Online

To give you a better idea on how to use the new POEA Online Processing System, check out this video shared by POLO Abu Dhabi’s YouTube channel. It contains a step-by-step guide on how you can register, book and appointment, and get an OEC (or OEC exemption):

Frequently Asked Questions

Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions — and answers — about the OEC, OEC exemption, and the POEA Online Processing System:

1. Who can avail of OEC exemption?

An OEC exemption may be given to an OFW who:

• Has an employment visa or work permit;
• Has served or is serving his/her employment contract;
• Is returning to the same employer;
• Is returning to the same job site; and
• Has a record in the POEA database.

NOTE: Having a record in the POEA database means that you have previously been issued an OEC by the POEA or any of its offices or centers (e.g. POEA regional office, POLO office).

2. I am an OFW returning to the same employer. How can I avail of OEC exemption?

If you are returning to the same employer, register through the POEA Online Processing System on this link. Make sure that all your details are correct and updated, and follow the online instructions to get your OEC exemption.

3. I have received confirmation from the POEA Online Processing System that I am exempted from OEC. Do I still need to go to a POEA/POLO office?

No, there’s no need for you to go to a POEA/POLO office in this case. Just print your OEC exemption and show it to immigration officials at the airport before boarding your flight.

4. Can I change the email address I used when signing up on the POEA Online Processing System?

No. You cannot change the email address that you used when you signed up; this will remain as your permanent log-in account. Nonetheless, you have the option to change your account password from time to time.

5. I forget my email address and password. What should I do?

Go to the POEA Help Desk on this link. Click “Create a Ticket” to make an inquiry. To follow up your ticket, click “Inquire Ticket.”

6. During my last vacation, I was able to get an OEC but I have not registered with the new POEA Online Processing System yet. Can I get an OEC exemption?

If you were able to get an OEC before, this means that you already have a record with the POEA database. However, you still need to register in the new POEA Online Processing System the next time you will get an OEC or OEC exemption.

7. I have previously acquired an OEC and I am returning to the same employer, but the POEA Online Processing System re-directed me to the appointment page. Why?

As mentioned earlier, the POEA Online Processing System will re-direct you to the appointment page and require you to set an appointment with POEA if you are:

• A worker on watchlist, or your employer is on a watchlist;
• A worker returning to a restricted or non-compliant country;
• A worker who does not have a record with the POEA or there is a discrepancy in the date that you entered and the data in the system;
• An undocumented worker (e.g. tourist, student, dependent) who became an OFW; and
• A sea-based worker who became a land-based worker.

8. Do I need to log into the POEA Online Processing System every time I go on vacation to the Philippines?

Yes. Every time that you are on vacation and plan to return to your workplace abroad, you need to log into the POEA Online Processing System in order to acquire an OEC or OEC exemption.

Summary

The OEC is a required document for every OFW who is planning to return for work abroad. Whether you are going back to the same employer or planning to work for a new one, you need to register on the POEA Online Processing System to get your OEC or OEC exemption. This way, you can be assured that you have a valid record with the POEA, and that you can be exempted from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fees. Finally, the OEC also serves as a guarantee that you are a documented OFW who is covered by Philippine government protection and benefits.

Contact Information: POLO Abu Dhabi

If you have any questions and concerns about getting an OEC, you can get in touch with the POLO office, which is located at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The office’s contact details are as follows:

Address: Villa 2, W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: 050 880 6718 (hotline)
Email: poloabudhabioec@gmail.com
Website: https://poloabudhabi.weebly.com/balik-manggagawa-oec.html

NOTE: You can call the office hotline (050 880 6718) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during work days, and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during weekends and holidays.

Google Map Location

The POLO office is located in Villa 2, situated within the same address as the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Here is the office’s location on Google Maps, for your reference:

 

DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you are planning to apply for an OEC anytime soon. To learn more about the latest requirements, procedure, and other details regarding OEC and OEC exemption, please visit the official website of POLO Abu Dhabi.

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