How to Obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Singapore
Important Tip!The Philippine Embassy Singapore will no longer accept walk-ins. Appointment needs to be book via the BM Online Processing System. You can set an appointment online at http://bmonline.ph/. Please read through the article to get a better insight on how to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), also known as an “Exit Pass”.You may read more about the BM Online Processing System below.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
Payment for OEC Processing is S$3.00(per OEC)
The OEC is now only valid for 60 days.
WHAT IS AN OEC AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
An OEC is one of POEA’s requirement to make sure that all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.
Important Tip! Please note that OFWs are exempted from paying (1) travel tax and (2) international airport terminal fee when travelling back to their country of employment. But, you will only be exempted if you present a valid (not expired) OEC.
WHO SHOULD GET AN OEC
OFWs. This would include: PEP, Employment Pass and S Pass holders as well as work permit holders such as household service workers). If you are on a student visa (even if you are working part-time), you cannot get an OEC.
REQUIREMENTS
Different work status/passes have different requirements.
For Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders:
3 signed copies of the printed appointment sheet. You can print this out after setting an appointment through http://bmonline.ph/
Proof of OWWA valid membership (show the receipt)
Updated receipt of Pag-ibig Fund membership contribution
Two-way ticket or itinerary issued by travel agency
Original Work Pass + 2 photocopies
Original Passport + 2 photocopies
Personalized Employment Pass/Dependent Pass:
3 signed copies of the printed appointment sheet. You can print this out after setting an appointment through http://bmonline.ph/
Two-way ticket or itinerary issued by travel agency
Proof of OWWA valid membership (show the receipt)
Updated receipt of Pag-ibig Fund membership contribution
Original Employment Contract for PEP holders; LOC and Original Contract for Dependent Pass Holders + 2 photocopies
Original Work Pass + 2 photocopies
Original Passport + 2 photocopies
For Household Service Workers:
3 signed copies of the printed appointment sheet. You can print this out after setting an appointment through http://bmonline.ph/
Two-way ticket or itinerary issued by travel agency
Proof of OWWA valid membership (show the receipt)
Updated receipt of Pag-ibig Fund membership contribution
Valid Embassy verified employment contract + 2 photocopies
Original Work Permit + 2 photocopies
Original Passport + 2 photocopies
For new OWWA/OEC Applicant
3 signed copies of the printed appointment sheet. You can print this out after setting an appointment through http://bmonline.ph/
Original Work Pass
Original Passport
Two-way ticket or itinerary issued by travel agency
Updated receipt of Pag-ibig Fund membership contribution
Embassy Verified Employment Contract
Contract Verification Requirements
Two (2) copies employment Contract (Original and Photocopy)
Two (2) copies IC/Work Pass
Two (2) copies passport
Two (2) copies Company ACRA/Bizfile/Registration
Two (2) copies Employer’s IC
Payment of SGD 59.50 (17.00 –Verification Fee; 42.50 – Authentication Fee)
Processing is at Counter 1 (kindly get a queue number)
PROCEDURE:
Step 1: Register via the BM Online Processing System
The Balik-Manggagawa (BM) online processing system is an online portal that allows vacationing OFWs to apply for OEC online. The user can then print the OEC anytime, anywhere. The purpose of this system is to expedite the issuance of OECs. Do note that payment cannot be made online. After applying for your OEC, you will still need to pay through iRemit located at 304 Orchard Road #03-69 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863. They are open from Mondays to Sundays, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The phone numbers listed on their website are (65) 6732 3435, (65) 6235 8600 / 8914 / 8915.
OFWs who are going to the Philippines on vacation and will be returning to the same employer/principal and jobsite with EP/S Pass/work permit, have a record in the POEA database, and previously issued OEC/E-Receipt under the same employer/principal in Singapore may avail of the BM Online Processing System.
Those who do not meet the criteria are still advised to access the BM Online Processing System to set an appointment via its APPOINTMENT PAGE for regular processing of their OECs on their preferred processing site and appointment date and time.
Important Tip!For first-time users (those who have just registered with the system) or for those who do not meet the criteria above, you will still need to physically obtain your OEC at the Philippine Embassy Singapore. You can also pay there directly. The embassy only accepts cash.
To register, go to http://bmonline.poea.gov.ph/ or go to POEA official webpage www.poea.gov.ph and click BM Online. It located at the right-hand side of the web page:
Fill out all the fields required under New User
Click and accept the Terms of Service
Click on Sign Me Up
After signing up, you will then receive an email confirmation from POEA. Click on the link to confirm your email address.
After clicking on that link from the email confirmation, you will receive an advisory that your account has been confirmed.
Your email address will be your log-in. Take note of your password.
Log-in at the BM Online website and continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Set an appointment via the BM Online Processing System
Once you have registered and updated your complete personal details (including picture), you may set an appointment.
1. Click on Next Step at the upper right hand side of the page.
2. It will prompt you for the date of your flight back home to the Philippines.
3. Those who have already registered will see this window:
For first time users, the available date and time slots will be indicated. You may choose the date/time that is most convenient for you. It is recommended that you arrive at the Embassy at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. The Philippine Embassy Singapore is open from Mondays to Fridays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm only.
Step 3: Go to the Philippine Embassy Singapore
The Philippine Embassy is located at 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395. The nearest MRT is Orchard (Red line/NS line). You will need to walk about 20 minutes to get from Orchard MRT to the Embassy. Please refer to the map at the bottom of the page.
Important Tips!On the date of your appointment, make sure you dress appropriately. Sandos, slippers, shorts, exposed underwear, shirts that show the navel, see-through shirts and pants, and pants/shorts with low waistline that reveal portions of the private parts are not allowed. Also, don’t forget to double check all your requirements before you leave the house.
You must first drop by the entrance/guard house and inform them that you are there for your OEC appointment. They will give you a priority number.
Wait until your number is called.
When your number is called, present all the requirements (including the photocopies) at either Window 3 or 4 (there is an LED board that indicates which number is served at which window). Pay in cash (S$3). Do not form a queue. Wait until your number is called.
Processing time will usually take 20 to 40 minutes. During peak season, it will usually be a lot longer.
Once processing is done, your name will be called and you need to approach a designated window.
Collect your receipt.
Important Note! If your OWWA membership has expired, you will be required to renew it and it will incur an additional S$42.00. To read more about OWWA membership renewals, see this page.
You need to present your OWWA membership receipt. If not, you will be required to renew it before your OEC will be released.
If you forgot to secure photocopies of your original documents, there is a photocopying service inside the Embassy.
Step 4: Go to https://www.bmonline.ph/ to print your OEC
1. Log on to https://www.bmonline.ph/ using your email address and password.
2. Go to My Transactions on the left hand side of the page.
3. Click on OEC Requests
4. Click on Print OEC
5. It will then go to a printable page with your photo, details and QR code. Print 2 copies just to be sure.
GETTING AN OEC IN THE PHILIPPINES
If you forgot to obtain an OEC while in Singapore, you can also get your OEC while in the Philippines using the http://bmonline.poea.gov.ph/. You can choose a location where you can get your OEC.
For those who are staying in the Philippines for 5 days or less, you can get your OEC at the Labor Assistance Counter of the international airport terminal. Meanwhile, OFWs staying in the provinces can just walk in at the POEA Regional Offices nearest them without the need to make an appointment.
Here is a list of POEA Regional Offices (info updated as of Nov. 4, 2015) from http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/:
POEA Regional Center for Luzon
2nd Flr. LZK-Zambrano Bldg., Quezon Ave.
City of San Fernando, La Union
(072) 242-5608 (telefax)
072) 700-4236
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office. Region II
13 Dalan na Pagayayya
Regional government Center
Tuguegarao City
(078) 844-3076 (telefax)
[email protected]
POEA Regional Ext. Unit-CAR
Benitez Court Compound
Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City
(074) 442-9478
(074) 445-4209 (telefax)
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office – Region III
One Stop Clark Processing for OFW
Claro M. Recto, Clark\
Angeles City, Pampanga
(045) 893 4152
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office – Region IV
No. 4 Penthouse, Hectan Commercial Center
Chipeco Avenue, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City
(049) 502-2798, (049) 834-7974 (telefax)
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office No. V
3rd Floor ANST Bldg., Washington Drive
Legaspi City
(052) 480-0144
[email protected]
POEA Regional Center for Visayas
Ground Flr. DOLE-RO7 Building
Corner General Maxilom Ave and Gorordo Ave
Cebu City
(032) 412-0040-42
[email protected]
POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region VI
2nd Floor, S. C. Divinagracia Bldg.
Quezon St., Iloilo City
(033) 336-8611
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office
2nd Floor, Old City Hall
Araneta-Luzuriaga St.
Bacolod City
(034) 434-7391 (telefax)
[email protected]
POEA Satellite Office
DOLE Compound, Trece Martirez
Tacloban City
(053) 321-7134 (telefax)
[email protected]
POEA Regional Center for Mindanao
2nd Flr., AMYA II Bldg.
Quimpo Blvd. cor. Tulip Drive
Ecoland, Davao City
(082) 297-7429 (telefax)
(082) 297-7428, (082) 297-7650
[email protected]
POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region IX
Unit 3, Doña Pura Building, Metrogate Corp.
Veterans Ave. Zamboanga City
(062) 992-5523
[email protected]
POEA Regional Ext. Unit – Region X
Ground Floor Trinidad Bldg.
Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
(08822) 724-824 (telefax)
(08822) 729-465
[email protected]
Satellite Office- CARAGA
Door 2, Nimfa Tiu Bldg IIJP Rosales Avenue
Butuan City
(085) 342-6178/7584
(085) 225-5989
POEA Satellite Office – Tawi-Tawi
Initiative for Tawi Tawi Area Devt. Foundation Bldg.
Old Housing Proj., Tubig Boh
Bongao, Tawi Tawi
0906-3416142
