If you’re leaving the Philippines to work in Canada, you’ll need to apply for an Exit Clearance.
The OEC Overseas Employment Certificate is a document issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) that show’s that you’ve met all the requirements to leave the Philippines as a worker.
Continue reading to learn more about the OEC Overseas Employment Certificate.
Did you hear? Eligible OFWs can now apply for an OFW Pass instead of an OEC?
Would you like to learn more about the free, digital OFW Pass? Click here.
Ever wondered what you can do with your OWWA membership?
Did you know that your OWWA membership gives you access to many programs and services, including scholarships and loans? Learn more about your OWWA membership, click here.
If you’re leaving the Philippines to work in the following countries, you may the new digital OFW Pass instead of the paper OEC:
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
The Philippine Government has a well established labour deployment system, with more than 10 million Filipino workers employed overseas at any given time. Since 1992, the Philippine Government has used paper OECs to track OFW departure information.
Paper OECs are still available from the DMW, but will soon be replaced by the new OFW Pass.
To learn more about the new DMW Mobile App, click here.
What is an OEC?
The OEC is a paper document issued to OFWs leaving the country.
Immigration officers at the airport ask for your OEC to verify that you’ve met the requirements for working overseas.
You won’t be able to board your flight without a valid OEC or OFW Pass.
OECs are Philippine Government documents, and are generally not recognized by foreign governments.
Who needs an OEC?
If you’re an OFW who’s leaving the Philippines to work overseas, you’ll need to apply for your exit clearance.
This also applies to OFWs who are returning to their countries of employment after a short trip to the Philippines. If you came home for a vacation and will be going back to work overseas, you’ll need a paper OEC or a digital OFW Pass, if you’re eligible.
Where can I apply for an OEC?
You can apply for paper OECs at the DMW or at certain Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) around the world.
How can I apply for an OEC exemption?
If you took a short trip to the Philippines but will go back to work for the same employer at the same location, you may be eligible to apply for an OEC exemption.
If you’re exempted, you won’t have to show your paper OEC or your digital OFW Pass to board your flight. Contact the DMW to see if you qualify for an exemption.
What are the requirements for an OEC?
To apply for a paper OEC, you’ll need the following:
- Valid Philippine passport
- Printed Online Appointment Information Sheet or Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet
- Valid proof of employment or employment contract
- Valid work visa or work permit
How long are OECs valid?
OECs are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
However, if your employment contract or work permit expires before your OEC does, you’ll have to apply for a new OEC.
How many times can I use my OEC?
You can only use it once.
Paper OECs are only valid for a single exit from the Philippines.
What are the other uses for paper OECs?
Aside from allowing you to board your flight, your OEC also exempts you from having to pay the terminal fee and travel tax at the airport.
Your OEC also allows you to apply for certain Philippine Government financial aid programs, which are only available to OFWs.
How much are OECs?
Paper OECs cost PhP 100.00.
If you’re eligible to apply for an OFW Pass using the DMW Mobile app, you really should use that instead.
An OFW Pass is free.
Can I apply for an OFW Pass instead?
The DMW Mobile App is now available for free on Google Play and on the App Store.
The new OFW Pass is currently available for 10 countries. If your country is not on the list, you’ll still need to apply for a paper OEC.
immigration officers in the Philippines will continue to accept both paper OECS as well as digital OFW Passes for the time being.
DMW telephone numbers
Are you looking for a telephone number for the Department of Migrant Workers? Call the DMW hotlines at:
- 8 722 1144
- 8 722 1155
Make sure to provide your name, country of employment and the reason why you’re calling ready before making the call.
As long as you’re here, we highly recommend the following posts:
- Recruitment agencies in the Philippines: how they can help you find a job in Canada
- Canada jobs for foreign workers: where to apply & how much they pay
- Direct hire jobs in Canada: who are the Canadian employers looking for workers in the Philippines
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