If you are an OFW in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, processing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is important. When leaving the Philippine airport, OEC is required at the immigration office. In this article, you’ll learn about how to process OEC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
OEC is required for every OFW who wants to return to the Philippines. It is a document that serves as proof that you have been employed abroad and that your employer has met all the requirements of the Philippine government.
Also Read: OEC Appointment Riyadh, Saudi OFW Balik Manggagawa Certificate
OEC is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. You can apply for an OEC online or at any Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) office in the Philippines.
OFWs in Jeddah can follow the steps below to process their OEC:
Qualifications
The following individuals are qualified to process the OEC.
- Directly employed Filipino workers by an international employer
- Individuals who are employed by a recruitment agency
- OFWs employed by POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GPB)
Requirements
Each document should be submitted in two (2) copies: an original and a duplicate or photocopy.
Basic Document Requirements
- Printed Online Appointment (POPS-BAM)
- Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet
- Sworn Statement (For OFWs who have never had a POEA record or who are applying for OEC for the first time)
- Passport (valid for at least six months) from departure date
- Verified Employment Contract
- Certificate of Employment
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- Confirmed Airline Ticket
- OEC fees
Additional Requirements for Household Service Worker (HSW)
- Iqama
- HSW Standard Employment Contract signed by the employer and HSW
- Employer’s ID
- Exit and Re-entry Visa
The list of requirements is subject to change, therefore it’s important to keep an eye on the POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia website and Facebook page for updates.
What Should I do Before Applying for an OEC in DMW POLO Office Jeddah?
You must prepare yourself before going to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Office; otherwise you will only waste your time. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Philippine labor laws and regulations prohibit foreign employers from directly recruiting Filipino workers, so you should determine if you qualify for an exemption from the restriction on direct employment.
The employer must hire you through a POEA-accredited recruitment agency. However, some firms are exempt from the restriction on the direct hiring of OFWs. These include:
- Employers of Professional and Skilled Workers with Verified or Authenticated Employment Contracts that Comply with POEA Standards
- Foreign Diplomats
- Heads of State and High-ranking Government Officials
- International Organizations
- Lower-ranking officials from the first three items who are approved by the POLO
- Residents of the host nation who are permanent residents and who hire their family members, excluding domestic workers
2. Prepare all the required documents. As soon as you have confirmed that your employer is exempt from the direct hiring restriction, get everything ready right away.
How to Get an OEC Appointment in Jeddah, Saudi (POPS-BAM System)
Before your visit to POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia office, an OEC appointment is required. Follow these instructions to quickly make an appointment. Keep in mind that having an online appointment simplifies things because government workers can immediately verify your information.
Step 1: Visit the POEA Online Service Website here – https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx
Step 2: Click the “Let’s go” button on e-Registration
Step 3: Click on “Register” for new users (just log in if you already have an account) and click the “I accept the terms of use” button.
Step 4: Fill out the required information and then click register (a message will display indicating that your registration was “Successful”)
Step 5: Log in to the email address you provided when you registered (there is a message containing your “temporary password”)
Step 6: Return to the link provided in Step 1 and login using the registered email address, then click “next.”
Step 7: Use the temporary password sent to your email, then click “log in.”
Step 8: Set your preferred password.
Step 9: Update your profile by clicking “My Profile,” after completing your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page
Step 10: Input your identification data (passport) and beneficiary on your profile
Step 11: Click the “Balik-Manggagawa” on your dashboard then click the “Next” button
Step 12: Enter your return flight date then click the “Next” button
Step 13: You will be asked about whether you are returning to the same employer, jobsite, and position if you are a returning BM.
If so, you can print your OEC exemption immediately.
If not, go to step 9 instead (change employer or new BM)
Step 14: Input all your contract details then click the “Submit” button
Step 15: Select your host country as processing site then click the “Next” button
Step 16: Choose and select your preferred appointment date
Step 17: Take a screenshot and print your scheduled appointment date
How to Apply for Overseas Employment Certificate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Gather all of the necessary document requirements.
Step 2: Go to POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia office on your scheduled appointment day. Show your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full dose vaccination card / certificate to the assigned security personnel.
Step 3: The assigned security personnel will check your name to the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.
Step 4: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.
Step 5: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.
Step 6: Pay for OEC fees.
Step 7: Wait for the OEC processor’s advice before printing your OEC in POPS-BAM System
Make sure that all the information and details in your OEC are correct and in line with your credentials.
Step 8: Sign into your POPS-BAM account and select “Print OEC” from the “My Transaction Tab” menu.
Important Reminders
- Avoid using non-English characters, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic, when filling out online forms. This will delay the processing of your OEC. Therefore, make sure you enter only English characters.
- You are only permitted to acquire an OEC once every time you visit the Philippines. Getting more than one OEC simultaneously is not allowed.
- Bring three copies of your OEC to the airport on the day you depart.
- Please keep in mind that the OEC can only be used for sixty (60) days beginning on the day it was issued.
- If a worker leaves the Philippines without an OEC, they might not be able to finish their check-in or they might be stopped by an immigration official before they leave. Prior to departing, you must make sure that you have this document with you at all times.
- Balik-Manggagawa OFWs must also present a copy of the contract they have with their company, along with their plane ticket and any other necessary travel documents.
- Once the OFW has all the proper documents, they can head to the airport and show the OEC to the immigration official there. OFWs that have an OEC can travel without issue and know that they are complying with all legal obligations related to their employment.
- Feel free to call +966 56 981 9720, Sunday to Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Saudi Arabia and Philippines public holidays).
Video: Experience to Get an OEC as Shared by an OFW from Jeddah
If you want to learn more about how to acquire an OEC, watch this video post by “JUST KARDING.” In this video, the YouTuber outlines his experience processing his OEC at POEA Tuguegarao, which he will use while returning to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The process for acquiring an OEC in this video is the same as the process for acquiring an OEC in POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; you simply need to select Jeddah as the processing office.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions regarding “How to Process OEC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
1. Who can get OEC exemption?
The following requirements must all be met in order for a Balik-Manggagawas to be exempt from acquiring an OEC:
- Has a valid work visa or work permit
- Returning to the same employer and workplace
- Has a record in the POEA database (Has previously received an OEC at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mall processing centers)
2. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?
No. All OFWs leaving the Philippines, whether they are returning employees or new workers, must acquire an OEC.
The OEC serves as an exit clearance; therefore if you try to leave the country without it, Immigration will stop you. Additionally, you are excused from paying the terminal fee and travel tax thanks to this certificate.
3. How long is an OEC or OEC Exemption Number valid?
From the date of issuance, the OEC or OEC Exemption Number is valid for 60 days. You are required by POEA to obtain this as a Balik-Manggagawa before returning to your employer.
4. Is my OEC valid for many uses?
OEC or OEC Exemption Number is only intended for one use. Once you have given it to Immigration, it cannot be used again.
5. Why does the system want my most recent OEC number? What does it mean?
The most recent transaction record you have with POEA is your most recent OEC number. This information is required by the system in order to get your record and most recent employment information.
6. What happens if I forget my OEC number?
You will be redirected by the system to the APPOINTMENT page, where you must manually visit POEA to process your OEC.
7. What should I do if I lose my OEC?
Log in to your POPS-BAM account and reprint your OEC.
8. Where can I settle my OEC fee?
- You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including:
- Globe G-cash
- Over-the-counter thru Banks
- Over-the-counter thru Bayad Centers
- Online Banking
- POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia office
Instructions on how to complete the payment process will be sent to you through email.
9. What is the POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s office hour?
The POLO office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is open Sunday to Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Saudi Arabia and Philippines public holidays).
10. What is POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s address?
POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s address is Philippine Overseas Labor Office, 4663 Fajr Street Al Rehab District 6 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21412.
11. What is the POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s hotline number?
You can reach the POLO Jeddah, Saudi Arabia office at +966 56 981 9720.
Summary
OEC is a requirement for OFWs who plan to go back overseas. If you’re returning to the same company and job site, you can be exempt from the requirement and only need to print an OEC exemption. In either case, all OFWs must create an account on the new POEA online system.
If you are an OFW returning to the same company and job site, you may be exempt from needing the certificate; however, all OFWs must create an account on the new POEA online system. The system will require your most recent OEC number in order to retrieve your employment information. If you have any further questions, please see the list of FAQs below or contact the POLO office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Contact Information
DMW POLO Office Jeddah
Address: Building no. 5 of PCG at 4663 Fajr St., Al Rehab District 6, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Office hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday to Thursday (except holidays)
Contact Number: +966 56 981 9720
Website: http://www.polojeddah.com/
Email address: philippinelaboroffice.jeddah@gmail.com; owwa_jeddah@yahoo.com