Benito Vacio

Applying for the OEC certificate

Information and advice for Filipino workers abroad.


The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a 'must have' certificate for all Filipino Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) on leave/vacation returning to their country of work. It also serves as travel exit clearance and entitles Filipinos to exemption from paying travel tax terminal fee and documentary stamps for remittance transactions.

In 2008, I got it from the main office in Quezon City because I was based in Region 4. Although it was the first time, it was also the easiest. I got it without any    necessary papers except my passport. The officer went through my passport, asked for my work permit and contract but I didn't have them. My visa was okay, but she told me that she could not approve my application for clearance because I had no supporting documents.

I was furious and told her that I had just came home for vacation and would return in a month's time; anyway I had my Non-B visa. Convinced by what I said, she referred me to another person next to her. That person reviewed my passport and saw my visa and re-entry permit from Thailand, so she told her to act on it positively.

The following year, I got it from the same office. But this time it was harder. I was the 100th applicant and was patiently waiting for the services to begin when I read a sign on the left side of the hall stating whoever wanted to enjoy speedy processing of OEC could queue up there for additional amount plus delivery of OEC right to our doorsteps.

I liked that idea because the line was not that long and I had no time to come back for the result. I filled in another paper and I submitted it with my application. The officer examined my application and told me to proceed to the 2nd floor. I was puzzled because that floor was for people who changed employers. I did change my employer from Chulalongkorn to Ramkamhaeng . But what was the difference?

I waited several hours and while waiting for my turn I talked with other applicants. I was given a list of requirements to submit - contract, work permit, passport, visa, etc. I was worried because I did not have my contract again. I searched everywhere at home but I could not find it. I was very sure I put it in an envelope before I left Thailand.

Anyway, thanks to our company secretary who emailed my contract right away when I requested. When I completed my papers, I went back. It took so long for there were a lot of applicants but it was worth it. For a change of employer, I paid more than 6,000 pesos ($150) compared to a renewal or new application that would cost only 1,800 ($45). What a way to get money from OFWs.

When I came home the 3rd time, I got my OEC from Shoe Mart Manila (a mall). I learned that Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) opened offices in several centers for easy access of departing Filipino workers. I chose SM Manila because it was accessible for me. Getting an OEC there was faster and easier. There were fewer people.

Unfortunately, my flight was at Clark in Pampanga. I travelled almost 3 hours from home and waited for another 3 hours just to be offloaded. I was denied validation of my OEC by 3 POEA officials assigned that day. They were looking for proof why I stayed longer than 5 days even if I told them I had an eye operation. One more thing, it was Labor Day, so I couldn't get a new one.

On the 4th time, I tried SM Manila again. I went to the 5th floor where I got my OEC 2 years ago. They had moved to another wing on the same floor. It was very spacious and less crowded. The procedure was posted and I went through it. It just took me 30 minutes. The officers were more accommodating and no numbers were given for the queue. Applicants just lined up in their seats and stood up to be served when the person ahead of them was done.

In order that getting OEC will be hassle-free, try doing these.

1. Choose the nearest POEA Office in your region/area except the main office.
2. Bring your Passport valid at least 6 months from the date of departure
3. Valid work visa/ work permit or equivalent document
4. Proof of Employment returning to the same employer
like Employment Contract, Certificate of Employment, Company ID/ pay slip (although they only looked at my passport)
5. Money 8 thousand pesos ( over $200) for those who changed employers, for those applying for the first time 3,400 pesos ($85) and 1400 pesos ($35) or less for renewal depending on your case
6. Bring your previous OEC if you travel more than once in a year in this case you pay 200 only.
7. Multiple OEC is granted as long as you pay the required dues and necessary papers.
8. Come early to be served first.
9. Don't lose your OEC. You will have it validated before boarding.
10. Never fly via Subic on a holiday especially when you stayed in the country for more than 5 days. Their POEA office outside the airport is closed. They won't validate your OEC.




Comments

Hello everyone po, helping a friend po. She went home yesterday for an emrgency matter and unfortunately she didn't have her papers validated in the philippine embassy. She is now holding a non b visa and her working visa is still on process of the school, does she still need her documents authenticated from embassy to avail an OEC? Does she allow to get an OEC in the philippines even if she is still holding a non b visa only? Thank you for answering me.

By Liezel De Guzman, Rayong (23rd June 2019)

Hello po, I just want to ask if ngayong 2019 POEA would still grant me an OEC if work visa (Non B Visa), Authenticated Contract, Recent Pay Slip, Valid Employer's Id? Coz I can't have my working permit yet It will take 1 month for the temporary teaching license and 2 weeks for the work permit. And my flight will be a the end of this mont.

Salamat po sa mga sasagot.

Godbless!

By Cheng, Thailand (17th June 2019)

I will be leaving the country for the 1st time as an OFW, my papers (contract and school profile) are with me but it's in thai symbols, it was sent to me by the school. Can they
(POEA) accept it?

By Rizza, Bangkok (4th May 2018)

Hello po i read your post in here .it was very helpful..ask ko lang po san sir if wala pong problem to get oec if uuwi po ko pinas na non b lang po meron ako at contract po..

By Cess, Bangkok (8th April 2017)

How will the POEA know that you change your employer?

By jack, bangkok (21st March 2017)

Post your comment

Comments are moderated and will not appear instantly.

Featured Jobs

NES English Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Pathum Thani


NES Lead Teacher

฿15,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


English Teacher

฿42,000+ / month

Bangkok


Female Kindergarten Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Rufaro


    Zimbabwean, 37 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Tinashe


    Zimbabwean, 33 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Shirley


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Londiwe


    South African, 32 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Maria


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Jj


    South African, 38 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?