Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC
What is an OEC?
An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document required under the Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) from all Filipinos departing the Philippines for overseas employment, whether as a new hire or a Balik Manggagawa – a Filipino worker returning to the same employer abroad.
The OEC must be presented to immigration officials at Philippine airports every time a Filipino overseas worker leaves the Philippines. It serves as an exit clearance, and exempts the worker from paying travel tax and airport terminal fees.
The OEC is valid only for 60 days from issuance.
Balik Manggagawa Approval – Residency Certificates
Balik Manggagawa have approved the use Certificate of Permanent Residency for those legally working in Ireland for three years or more and holding a Stamp 4 immigration status. They have also approved the use of Certificate of Residency for newly regularised workers (Former undocumented workers).
Who issues the OEC?
The OEC is issued by POEA offices in the Philippines. It may also be issued by Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) abroad that have been authorized by the POEA to issue OECs. However, a POLO can only issue OEC’s to Filipinos working in the countries it covers. In the case of Ireland the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in London has jurisdiction for Ireland and so OEC’s can only be issued by POLO London. Applicants can contact POLO London to apply for an OEC or verify if they are entitled to an OEC. For those not entitled to an OEC can apply for a Certificate of Residency / Permanent Residency.
Link to: POLO London…
Types of Certificates for those not entitled to an OEC
There are two types of Certificates of Residency that can be issued by the Consulate.
1.) Certificate of Permanent Residency – For those legally working in Ireland for three years or more and holding a Stamp 4 immigration status.
2.) Certificate of Residency – for newly regularised workers (Former undocumented workers).
It is recommended that applicants apply for their certificate approximately one month in advance of their flight but no more than four months in advance of their flight.
1.) Certificate of Permanent Residency can be used by Filipino workers returning to the Philippines but that are not entitled to an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Office (POLO). Those entitled to apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residency are Filipinos holding a Stamp 4 immigration status and legally resident in Ireland for three years or longer. Applicants can also contact POLO London to verify if they are entitled to an OEC or to apply for an OEC: POLO London…
Requirements
- Original valid Passport showing evidence of residency (Old passport too if required as proof of residency) and two photocopies
- Original valid Residence permit card, IRP card or GNIB card showing Stamp 4 status and two photocopies
- This service is by appointment only.
- NO WALK IN APPLICATIONS FOR THIS SERVICE WILL BE ACCEPTED
Commissioner for oaths fee €12.00 (For the certified true copy of the IRP card).
2.) Certificate of Residency for newly regularised Filipino workers who availed of the regularization program of the Irish Government for long term undocumented migrants in Ireland.
This can be used when the worker returns to the Philippines for a short period and are not entitled to or do not have an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Office (POLO).
Applicants can also contact POLO London to verify if they are entitled to an OEC or to apply for an OEC: POLO London…
Requirements
- Original valid Passport showing evidence of legal residency and two photocopies
- Original valid Residence permit card, IRP card or GNIB card showing Stamp 4 status and two photocopies
- Original letter confirming their residence permission (Stamp 4) and two photocopies
- Original Employment Certificate or Letter of Employment – Issued and signed by the applicant’s employer and one photocopy
- This service is by appointment only
- No variation of the requirements will be accepted
- NO WALK IN APPLICATIONS FOR THIS SERVICE WILL BE ACCEPTED
Commissioner for oaths fee €12.00 (For the certified true copy of the IRP card).
