POEA Guidelines on OEC Processing for Returning OFWs

Last updated Apr 22, 2019

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has issued specific guidelines regarding the processing of exit clearance of returning workers pursuant to the POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 4, Series of 2018 amending Section 22 of the Revised POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based OFWs of 2016.

The guidelines cover returning documented OFWs, Filipino workers not previously registered with the POEA or workers with no existing record of deployment with the POEA or POLO; and workers who changed employment on-site or workers who transferred or entered into a new employment contract from one employer to another.

All returning workers covered by the guidelines are advised to set an online appointment through the BM Online Processing System at www.bmonline.ph at their preferred time and date in any of the POEA or Philippine Overseas Labor offices.

POEA-registered OFWs returning to same employer
Workers who have existing record with the POEA and who are vacationing for the first time, and are returning to the same employer and jobsite to continue or renew an existing employment contract, shall submit the following documents on their appointment date:

Passport valid for at least six months from the date of intended departure
Valid and appropriate visa and/or work permit
Employment contract verified/authenticated by the POLO/Philippine Embassy/Consulate in the case of domestic workers, overseas performing artists, masseurs/masseuses, cleaners, construction workers, and workers who have not returned to their employers within six months from their arrival in the Philippines
Any proof of existing employment that worker is returning to the same employer such as: current certificate of employment, valid company ID, or recent pay slip

POEA-registered OFWs returning to same employer but on different country
Workers who have existing record with the POEA and who are returning to the same employer but to a different country shall present the following:

Passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure; valid and appropriate visa and/or work permit
Original copy of employment contract verified/authenticated by the POLO/Philippine Embassy/ Consulate
Any proof of existing employment that workers is returning to the same employer such as: current certificate of employment, valid company ID, or recent pay slip
Letter from the employer attesting to the transfer of jobsite of the worker

OFWs not registered at POEA or changed employer
Workers who are not registered with the Administration or who changed employer on-site shall be ready with the following documents:

Passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure; valid and appropriate visa and/or work permit;
Original copy of employment contract verified/authenticated by the POLO/Phil Embassy/Consulate
Any proof of existing employment that workers is returning to the same employer such as current certificate of employment, valid company ID, or recent pay slip
Sworn statement of the worker providing explanation on how he/she was hired by the current employer

Returning workers who are already registered with the BM Online Processing System and are returning to the same employer and jobsite can avail of OEC exemption using the same website.