The POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) is a new and relatively more secure system specially designed to help to return Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) apply for their exit documents. It was used to replace the old Balik-Manggagawa (BM) online system which became obsolete in June 30, 2021.
Also Read: POEA E-Registration Portal Login Guide to DMW Online Services
As a platform for returning OFWs, POPS-BaM is more commonly associated with the acquisition of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)—a mandatory document required from OFWs who wish to leave the country. Read understand the purpose and usage of the POPS-BaM
What is POPS-BaM?
POPS-BaM stands for the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM). It’s a reliable and secure system designed to replace the old Balik-Manggagawa (BM) online system. The POPS-BaM system was created to give OFWs easy access to all required forms, affidavits, and other requirements necessary for processing their applications—be it for an international employment opportunity or for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). It was meant to quicken the process, too, so that returning Filipino workers can return to their country of employment legally with ease.
With an online POPS-BaM account, OFWs no longer need to visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in your country of employment or the DMW office in the Philippines to process your OEC or OEC exemption, except in special cases when regular OEC processing is required.
The POPS-BAM platform was launched to replace the old BM online system on June 30, 2021. It is accessible through the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) Online Services Portal available at this link: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices.
What are the Benefits of using POPS-BaM?
In addition to simplifying the process of acquiring an OEC appointment, OEC and OEC exemption online, having a POPS-BAM account provides other online services that benefits the OFWs and other Filipino workers who want to work overseas as follows:
- There’s no need to visit the POLO-OWWA office in your country of employment for the processing of your OEC.
- There’s no need to visit the DMW office in the Philippines for the processing of your OEC or OEC exemption.
- You can avoid the hassles of commuting.
- You can save money that would have been spent on transportation costs.
- You can get your OEC or OEC exemption anywhere, even from the comforts of your own home.
- It’s easy to reprint your OEC or OEC exemption in case you lose it.
- 24/7 access to the website.
- If an OFW is returning to the same employer and job site and he has a DMW record, he can apply for an OEC exemption online via POPS-BaM.
- Completing a transaction quickly and without trouble requires users to schedule appointments online and it can be easily done via the POPS-BaM website, which also functions as an online appointment system for POEA, DMW, and POLO offices.
- Users with POPS-BaM accounts may also create an online profile and resume with information, including their:
- Credentials,
- Background, and
- Relevant work experience.
- The online job fair hosted by POPS-BaM, usually features ongoing and upcoming job fairs, and it is beneficial to Filipino workers and other OFWs looking for new opportunities for work.
- Job seekers may also go through the POPS-BaM to submit their applications online for job vacancies.
- POPS-BaM users may also use the site for other services like:
- Requesting principal registration,
- Applying for agency licenses,
- Paying for processing fees,
- Verifying transaction status, and
- Getting information about overseas employment.
- POPS-BAM has a DMW Help Desk which can help users to:
- Create tickets,
- Ask questions, and
- Retrieve outdated BM records.
What are the Requirements for using the POPS-BaM Online System?
To avail of the POPS-BaM online service, you need to make sure that you have the following:
- Valid and active email address
- Valid passport
- Valid work visa,
- Valid employment contract
- You need an active account on the POPS-BaM online system
- Profile
- Personal Information
Who can Use the POPS-BaM System?
The POPS-BAM system is accessible to all OFWs and Filipino workers who want to work overseas. However, it is especially useful for people who need an e-Registration account, a confirmed OEC appointment, an OEC, or an OEC exemption, such as:
- OFWs who changed their employer
- OFWs who changed their job site
- OFWs without existing BM Online or POPS-BaM records
- OFWs without a valid work visa/permit
- 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)
How to Register for a POPS-BaM Account?
To use the POPS-BaM system, here’s what you need to do to register for a new online account:
Step 1. Go to the DMW Online Services Portal at https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx.
Step 2. Click “Let’s Go.”
Step 3. A pop-up box will appear. Click “Register.”
Step 4. Read the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement and accept it by clicking the Accept button.
Step 5. You’ll then be directed to an online form. Accomplish the form by supplying the following personal details:
- Name (First, Middle, Last, Suffix)
- Gender
- Email address
- Birthdate
Step 6. Click “Register.”
Step 7. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the accuracy of your inputted personal details. Click “Yes” to proceed if there’s nothing to change.
Step 8. You should see a notification that the eRegistration has been successfully completed. Copy and save the reference number on the screen.
Step 9. Check your email for the temporary password.
Step 10. Using this temporary password and your nominated email address/username, log into your POPS-BaM account to change your password and complete the e-Registration procedures.
How to Change your Password After Logging in for the First Time
When logging in for the first time, you may follow these steps to change your password:
Step 1. Visit the DMW’s Online Services Portal.
Step 2. Under eRegistration, click the “Let’s Go” button.
Step 3. Once the pop-up box appears, enter your email address and temporary password.
Step 4. Nominate a new password.
Important Reminders
To use the POPS-BAM system, you need to keep these reminders in mind:
- Users of BM online need to create a POPS-BAM account before transferring your records.
- The website is accessible to all Filipino workers as well as those who want to work overseas and those OFWs who are based on land and at sea.
- Users who want to use the new POPS-BAM online services must complete their profile information.
- When registering for a POPS-BAM account for the first time, make sure that you provide an active and valid email address so you can get your temporary password.
- You need to limit your DMW e-Registration accounts to one (1) per person as having new or multiple accounts may affect your record and the processing of your contracts.
- In cases of incorrect information or email address, submit a ticket via the POPS BAM Help Desk system instead of creating a new account.
- If there is technical problems and the user did not receive the confirmation email with the temporary password, he/she must submit a concern ticket to the DMW helpdesk.
- The information in the user’s passport should match the information on the POPS-BAM account.
- If OFWs are returning to the same employer and job site after a vacation and have an existing DMW record, they can use POPS-BAM to get an exemption and OEC online.
- Transferring old BM records to a freshly registered POPS-BAM account will take two (2) to six (6) hours. If six (6) hours have passed, and the transfer isn’t successful yet, you need to go through the transfer procedures via the DMW Helpdesk.
- While you’re inside your new BM online account, you need to make sure that your information is updated at the “My Profile” section.
- During the transfer from the old BM to the new POPS-BaM, the system will match your name and birthday from your previous BM online records, so you’ll be asked to wait for 24 hours for the records to match.
Video: POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BAM)
Watch the video below to learn more about how to register via the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BAM) e-Registration System as well as how to apply for an OEC using your POPS-BAM account online.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions regarding “POPS-BAM”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
1. Is POPS-BAM the same as BM Online?
No. BM Online stands for the Balik-Manggagawa (BM) online system. POPS-BAM, on the other hand, stands for POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa, a new website created to replace the old BM online system.
2. Do I need to register for a POPS-BaM account?
Yes. All OFWs are managed by the government to register via the DMW e-Registration Portal. This will help them track the OFWs and verify that the documents they have are legal and binding. For the OFWs, it ensures that they will get a fair term in their employment contracts and that they can spend more time with their families since they can simply get their OEC or OEC exemption online.
3. How can I use POPS-BaM?
Other than getting an OEC appointment, an OEC, and an OEC exemption, OFWs and Filipino job searchers can use their POPS-BaM to join job fairs and find more employment opportunities.
4. Can I acquire an OEC using BM online?
No. Since June 30, 2021, the POPS-BaM system has replaced the BM online, so getting the OEC and OEC exemption is already being done via the POPS-BaM..
5. Can I transfer my old BM Online information over to the new POPS-BaM system?
Yes. To transfer old BM Online information, you must first enter the DMW’s Online Services website and create a POPS-BaM account online. Then, you can reach out to the DMW Help Desk, complete the form, find records from the old BM online system, and transfer it to the POPS-BaM system.
6. I entered incorrect information and couldn’t receive the temporary password to log in. What should I do?
If you entered the incorrect information during the DMW e-Registration resulting in being unable to receive your temporary password, then you will need to reach out to the DMW Help Desk. Do not create a new account as it would cause more delays and problems later.
Summary
The POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BAM) is a relatively new yet useful platform that links the OFWs, the Filipino job seekers, the employers, the recruiting agencies, and the governmental organizations together. It gives all stakeholders, especially Filipino workers, the ability to access online services, such as acquiring an OEC and an OEC exemption or applying for jobs overseas.
With the POPS-BAM online system in place, OFWs and other stakeholders can enjoy the convenience of availing of specific DMW services while also improving their chances of finding better employment abroad.