Returning Overseas Filipino Workers who want to spend quality time with their families may not appreciate the day-long processing of their Overseas Employment Certificates, especially for those who have limited time. Perhaps, you also want to avoid long queues in POEA/Migrant Workers offices offices to personally get an OEC exemption.
The good news is that you can now obtain your OEC exemption through the Balik Manggagawa Online portal. Yes, you may not need to secure an OEC if you meet the qualifications or conditions. The BM Online system will allow you to obtain this exemption anytime and anywhere you want. So it’s essential to understand how an OEC exemption works, its benefits, its requirements, and how to process it online.
What Is OEC Exemption
The OEC exemption is available for returning OFWs that are registered with the DMW Online Services Portal and who are going back to the same job site and employer. Exempted OFWs can go to the airport on their departure schedule without presenting an OEC to immigration. To qualify for an OEC exemption, certain conditions must be met.
Returning OFWs who want to be exempted from applying for an OEC must have a valid work permit or visa, return to the same employer and job site, and have existing records with the DMW Online Portal or POEA database. In short, you must have previously obtained an OEC in order to qualify for the exemption.
Benefits of OEC Exemption
Obtaining an OEC exemption is a huge privilege for returning OFWs because it saves them time and effort while staying in the Philippines. If you’re qualified for an exemption, that means you don’t need to endure the regular process of OEC application. At the airport, you can directly proceed to your flight without having to present an OEC to immigration or other concerned authorities. Plus, you don’t need to pay travel tax and terminal fees.
Requirements for OEC Exemption
So basically, you just need to have a previous OEC obtained from the POEA, a valid work visa, and return to the same employer and job site in order to get an OEC exemption via BM Online System. To avail of the terminal fee and travel tax exemption, you need to provide some documents including your valid work permit, company ID, most recent payslip, Employment Certificate, or Employment Contract.
How to Apply for OEC Exemption Online
Make sure your BM record and DMW account information match with your POPS-BaM account before trying to obtain an OEC exemption. The second is to secure all the requirements for the exemption so you can get exempted from an OEC. If you meet all these requirements, follow the steps below to obtain an OEC exemption online easily:
Step 1: Go to the official page of the BM Online System, then click New User. Complete all the required details and accept the Terms of Service. Wait for the email that contains the confirmation link and activate your new account by clicking on the link.
Step 2: Click on Already Registered and log in using your email and password. To verify, provide your previous OEC number. Confirm that you are returning to the same job site and employer.
Step 3: Update your profile information by filling out the Personal Data, Legal Beneficiaries, and Contract Particulars under the My Profile category. Upload your profile photo with your full face.
Step 4: Tap on the Acquire OEC or Exemption button and enter your flight details. Make sure your departure flight is valid within 60 days of obtaining your OEC. Click Submit and proceed to the next page.
Step 5: Wait for the confirmation message if you’re exempted. It includes the OEC exemption number with instructions on the next steps you need to do during your flight schedule.
Video: How to Get OEC Exemption Online 2023
This video highlights the latest update in getting OEC exemption online including the steps on how to apply using the BM Online System. It also includes other helpful information on the OEC exemption benefits, qualifications, and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I qualified for an OEC exemption?
If you’re returning to the same job site and employer, and you have an existing record with the POEA database, then you can obtain an OEC exemption through the BM Online Portal.
2. How can I get an OEC exemption online?
Register an account at the BM Online website, log in using your email and password, update your profile information, and obtain an OEC exemption online.
3. How much should I pay for the OEC exemption?
Acquiring an OEC exemption doesn’t cost anything, it’s free and easy to process through the BM Online Portal.
4. How many days does the OEC exemption remain valid?
After issuing an OEC exemption to OFWs via BM Online Portal, the validity period is within 60 days.
5. What are the benefits of OEC exemption?
If you are exempted from acquiring an OEC, you can enjoy a few benefits including terminal fee and travel tax exemption, while you can directly proceed to your flight without stopping by the immigration before your departure.
Summary
With all this information, you can now obtain an OEC exemption through the BM Online System. It will help you enjoy the benefits of getting exempted from acquiring an OEC before your departure date to the same employer and job site. More importantly, you can do it online which means you don’t need to visit the DMW or POLO office to secure the exemption.
For OFWs, it’s a great relief to be able to process requirements using their mobile devices. It means more time to do other things during their vacation in the Philippines. Make sure that you qualify before applying for an OEC exemption and prepare all the requirements for the terminal fee and travel tax exemption at the airport.