Page 1 of 8
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for Direct-Hire OFWs
Preamble :
Filipinos who get hired directly by a foreign employer without passing through an accredited recruitment
agency are required to secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before they leave the Philippines.
The OEC application process for direct-hire Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) is different from that of
agency-hired workers, e.g., first-time direct-hires cannot use BM Online (ref. https://filipiknow.net/bmonline/
for further information), because it is only for use by returning OFWs.
The process for direct-hire OFWs is also longer and more complicated because the Philippine government
needs to ensure that the direct-hires employment rights will be protected.
Preparations Before Applying for an OEC
The direct-hire OFWs should not go straight to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
office hoping to get an OEC in their first visit, without being fully prepared, since they would only be wasting
their time that way.
The following set of guidelines/procedures show what should be done before the direct-hire OFWs start
filling in their OEC applications as direct-hires:
1. Check to see if the OFW Qualifies for an Exemption to the Direct Hiring Ban:
The Philippine labor laws and regulations prohibit overseas employers from directly hiring Filipino
workers.
This means that if you will work abroad, your employer should have hired you through a POEA-accredited
recruitment agency.
Such a rule is meant to protect OFWs against abuse, exploitation, or any violation of their worker rights.
Having said that however, there is an exception to the rule where certain types of employers are
exempted from the ban on direct hiring of OFWs.
The types of employers are:
1. Foreign diplomats.
2. International organizations.
3. Heads of state and high-ranking government officials (with rank of deputy minister or higher position).
4. Other employers as may be allowed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, such as:
a. Those provided in 1., 2., and 3. above who bear a lesser rank, if endorsed by the Philippine
Overseas Labor Office (POLO), or Head of Mission in the absence of the POLO.
b. Professionals and skilled workers with duly executed verified/authenticated contracts containing
terms and conditions over and above the standards set by the POEA. The number of professionals
and skilled OFWs hired for the first time by the employer shall not exceed five (5). For the purpose
of determining the number, workers hired as a group shall be counted as one.
c. Workers hired by a relative/family member who is a permanent resident of the host country, except
domestic workers (live-in caregiver/care worker or household service workers).
More details on the criteria for exemption and non-exemption of foreign employers from the direct hiring
ban can be found by referring to the PDF document that can be downloaded from
https://www.poea.gov.ph/memorandumcirculars/2018/MC-08-2018.pdf.
If the OFW will be working for an exempted employer, they may apply for POEA Clearance from the
direct hiring ban exemption . This document is a requirement for the OEC application of directly hired
OFWs.
Page 2 of 8
Preparations Before Applying for an OEC
(Cont.)
1. Check to see if the OFW Qualifies for an Exemption to the Direct Hiring Ban: (Cont.)
However, if the employer is not exempted from the direct hire ban, the OFW is required to avail of the
services of a licensed recruitment agency. Once the OFW has done that, they will then need to set up an
appointment through BM Online (ref. https://filipiknow.net/oec-appointment/) for their OEC processing at a
POEA office.
2. Get all the Requirements (Documents) Ready:
If the employer is exempted from the direct hire ban, the OEC requirements should be prepared
immediately to avoid delays in the OEC application.
To see the complete list of requirements, please refer to the next section.
POEA OEC Requirements for Direct-Hire OFWs
The OFW needs to gather two (2) types (batches) of documents that they will submit to the POEA for the two
(2) phases of their direct-hire registration, those that are covered by Phase 1 which relate to POEA
Clearance, and those that are covered by Phase 2 which relate to the issuance of the OEC.
The original copy and two photocopies of all the OFW documentation required for both Phase 1 and Phase 2
shall be prepared.
Gathering of Documentation
Phase 1 : (Requirements for direct hiring ban exemption)
The following documents are required to be submitted:
1. Valid passport.
Make sure the passport is valid for at least six (6) months before the departure date.
The OFW should renew the passport if it is about to expire.
2. Valid work visa or entry/work permit.
3. Verified/authenticated and Apostilled employment contract or offer of employment.
The job contract must satisfy three requirements:
a. The contract meets or exceeds POEA’s minimum employment standards.
Employment terms and conditions mandated by the POEA should be covered in the contract. To
speed up the process, the employer should be requested to use the POEA sample employment
contract (ref. https://www.poea.gov.ph/files/sec_various_new.pdf) as a template for the contract.
However, if the company has its own standard contract, the OFW shall make sure that all the
POEA’s required provisions are included before they sign the document. Also, the OFW and the
employer must sign each page of the contract.
b. The employment contract shall be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the
country where the OFW will be working.
If the host country has no POLO, the contract must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or
Consulate with jurisdiction over the jobsite.
The OFW shall check the POLO directory (ref.
https://www.poea.gov.ph/files/POLO%20Directory%20(15%20January2020).pdf) to see if there is a
POLO in the host country.
The employer (or the company’s authorized representative) should be the one to bring the OFW
contract to the POLO, Embassy, or Consulate for verification/authentication.
The employer will ask the OFW to send their documents, such as a copy of their passport, resume
and college diploma.
Page 3 of 8
Gathering of Documentation
(Cont.)
Phase 1 : (Requirements for direct hiring ban exemption) (Cont.)
The following documents are required to be submitted: (Cont.)
b. The employment contract shall be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the
country where the OFW will be working. (Cont.)
Check the website of the POLO/Embassy/Consulate in the jobsite (the country where the OFW will
be working) for the requirements and procedure for employment contract verification/
authentication.
c. The POLO-verified or Embassy/Consulate-authenticated contract shall be Apostilled (ref.
https://filipiknow.net/red-ribbon-authentication-of-documents-dfa/).
The OFW shall secure an Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) once they have
received their verified/authenticated employment contract from their employer.
4. POLO endorsement letter, if applicable.
The employer should also secure an endorsement letter from the POLO requesting exemption from
the direct hiring ban.
The letter must be addressed to the POEA Administrator.
A POLO endorsement letter is not required to be submitted if a verified/authenticated employment
contract is submitted.
5. Notarized statement on how the OFW found the job.
This legal document is an affidavit the OFW can easily get through a notary public.
Here’s how:
a. Download an affidavit template (which can be obtained from a notary public if the OFWs don’t have
time to draft it on their own).
b. Fill out the affidavit with the necessary information. In the body of the affidavit, the OFW shall state
how they secured their overseas employment (e.g., through referral, LinkedIn, etc.).
c. The OFW shall print their accomplished affidavit and bring it to the nearest notary public to have it
notarized.
d. The OFW shall attach a photocopy of their employer’s passport or ID and a print-out of the
employer’s contact information. The POEA requires this attachment to the notarized statement.
6. Certificate of Insurance Coverage.
All Filipinos who will work overseas, including direct hires, are required to be insured against sickness,
death, and other untoward events in the country of employment.
To get a Certificate of Insurance, the OFW must buy OFW insurance from an authorized life insurance
company.
The OFWs shall make sure that their policy covers the repatriation of remains and other benefits under
Section 37-A of the Republic Act 10022 (ref. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2010/03/10/republic-
act-no-10022-s-2010/).
7. Additional country-specific requirements.
If the OFW is to be deployed to any of the following countries, they will have to submit additional
supporting documents as shown.
♦ Canada - Labor Market Opinion (LMO) or Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Note: Canadian Letter and Employer’s Certificate of Registration from ECON (Province of
Saskatchewan Executive Council) or Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) are
required from workers to Saskatchewan in lieu of the LMO.
♦ United States - Labor Condition Application and Notice of Action.
♦ Middle East and Africa - Contingency plan issued by the employer.
Page 4 of 8
Gathering of Documentation
(Cont.)
Phase 1 : (Requirements for direct hiring ban exemption) (Cont.)
The following documents are required to be submitted: (Cont.)
8. For professionals and skilled workers: Employer’s company profile and business license/commercial
registration.
The employer shall send the OFW a copy of these required business documents, along with the OFW
verified/authenticated contract.
9. For professionals and skilled workers: Additional documents to support job application.
The OFW shall gather the following supporting documents that prove their qualifications for the
overseas job:
♦ Certificate of employment from their previous employers, or business permit (ref.
https://filipiknow.net/business-permit-philippines/) if they were self-employed.
♦ Diploma and/or Transcript of Records/Form 137.
♦ NC II Certificate/PRC License.
♦ Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
Except for the CV/resume, all the documents listed above must be authenticated by the DFA (ref.
https://filipiknow.net/red-ribbon-authentication-of-documents-
dfa/#List_of_Documents_That_Can_Be_Authenticated_and_Get_an_Apostille_Certificate for the
requirements the OFW needs to secure for each document to get an Apostille from the DFA).
10. For domestic workers: TESDA National Certificate II (NC-II).
Phase 2 : (Requirements for OEC application of direct hires)
The following are the requirements (required documentation and actions to be taken):
1. e-Registration Account.
The OFW shall create an e-Registration account through the POEA e-Service Portal (ref.
https://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph//OnlineServices/Public/CreateAccount.aspx).
After setting up and activating the account, the OFW shall log in and upload their photo for the profile
picture, as well as a photo of their passport.
The OFWs shall then fill out the online form with the required details, i.e., personal information,
education, training, and work experience.
In the My Documents section, the OFW shall upload a photo of relevant documents such as NBI
Clearance (ref. https://filipiknow.net/nbi-clearance/), Police Clearance (ref. https://filipiknow.net/police-
clearance/), and medical certificate.
Lastly, the OFW shall click the My Resume section to print their Worker’s Information Sheet that
contains all the information they provided and their e-Registration Number, which they will use to
access the online Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS).
The OFWs shall keep the printed copy of their Worker’s Information Sheet, as they will submit it to the
POEA as proof of their e-Registration account.
2. Valid Medical Certificate.
The OFWs shall undergo a medical examination at any DOH-accredited clinic (ref.
https://stcw.marina.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/List-of-DOH-Accredited-Medical-Facilities-for-
OFWs-and-Seafarers.pdf) to get a fit-to-work medical certificate.
If a medical examination has already been carried out as a requirement for processing the work visa or
work permit, there is no need to have another medical examination. The OFW simply submits their
medical certificate when they apply for an OEC at the POEA office.
The OFWs may schedule their medical examination even before their Phase 1 application at the
POEA, but they must make sure not to do it too early so that the certificate (which has a three-month
validity) is still valid when they submit it during Phase 2.
Page 5 of 8
Gathering of Documentation
(Cont.)
Phase 2 : (Requirements for OEC application of direct hires) (Cont.)
The following are the requirements (required documentation and actions to be taken: (Cont.)
3. Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate.
PEOS is an online seminar that covers everything OFWs should know about working abroad, the
different POEA services, and how to avoid illegal recruiters.
The OFWs shall attend the PEOS Online at home using their laptop or smartphone. To do this they
simply log in at the PEOS website (ref. https://peos.poea.gov.ph/) using their e-Registration Number,
last name, and first name.
After completing the seminar, the OFW shall print a copy of their PEOS Certificate.
4. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Certificate.
PDOS is an in-person seminar that aspiring OFWs must attend before working abroad.
The seminar is conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The PDOS encompasses government services for OFWs, employment contracts, and travel
procedures and tips, amongst other topics.
Attending the PDOS is free of charge. Wear appropriate attire because sleeveless tops, shorts, and
slippers are not allowed.
Also, no appointment is required for PDOS attendees. OWWA holds the seminar at the POEA office
from Mondays to Thursdays.
PDOS for OFWs who will work in Europe and US territories, Asia and Pacific are scheduled from 9
a.m. to 11 a.m. OFWs departing for the Middle East and Africa are scheduled for the seminar from
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The OFWs may claim their PDOS Certificate after completing the seminar at the POEA office on the
day of their OEC application.
5. For Domestic Workers: Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) Certificate.
CPDEP is a mandatory four- to six-day orientation seminar for departing household service workers.
It is conducted by the OWWA, and covers language training, culture familiarization, and stress
management to help domestic workers prepare for a new work environment abroad.
To inquire about the CPDEP seminar, the OFW may contact the OWWA regional office in their area.
6. POEA Clearance.
The clearance will be issued by the POEA to the OFW after it approves their application for the direct
hiring ban exemption.
The OFWs will have to submit the POEA Clearance, together with other Phase 2 requirements, when
they apply for an OEC at the POEA office.
Method of Applications (After All Documents Have Been Gathered)
Application for POEA Clearance :
As soon as the Phase 1 documents are complete, the OFWs can start their application for POEA Clearance
that will exempt them from the direct hiring ban.
The procedures to follow are as follows:
1. Request an appointment online.
The POEA limits the number of Phase 1 applicants to only 20 per day. Therefore, it requires direct
hires to book an appointment before they go to the POEA office for processing their clearance.
Page 6 of 8
Method of Applications (After All Documents Have Been Gathered)
(Cont.)
Application for POEA Clearance : (Cont.)
1. Request an appointment online. (Cont.)
To book an appointment online, the OFW shall send an E-mail request to the POEA Direct Hire
Assistance Division (DHAD) at DirectHirePhase1Eval@POEA.gov.ph.
The requests can be made between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. from Mondays to Fridays.
Subsequent to sending the E-mail request, the OFW will receive an appointment confirmation from
DHAD via E-mail.
A copy of the appointment confirmation shall be printed and taken to the POEA on the day of the
appointment.
2. Visit the POEA office on the day/time of the appointment.
The OFW shall arrive at the POEA Main Office or Regional Center as early as 7 a.m. (Office hours
start at 8 a.m.) but not later than the 4 p.m. (the cut-off time).
If the OFW arrives after the cut-off time, they will have to reschedule their appointment through E-mail
again.
The OFW must make sure that Phase 1 documents are complete and organized in one folder before
they go to the POEA for their application.
On arrival they must present the printout of their appointment confirmation and get a queue number
from the guard.
3. Submit the required documentation for the direct hire application.
When the queue number is called, the OFW shall go to the assigned window to submit their
employment documents. [Note: At the POEA Main Building, Windows 6 to 8 are for professional and
skilled workers, and Windows 13 and 14 are for household service workers. These are located on the
2nd floor (Direct Hire Assistance Division, Pre-Employment Service Office - Land based Center)].
The submitted documents will then undergo verification and evaluation.
This verification and evaluation will take between one (1) and two (2) hours.
After the verification and evaluation has been completed, the original copy of the documents that were
submitted will be returned to the OFW, together with a copy of the accomplished checklist of
requirements (which will indicate the documents already submitted and those that the OFW still has to
submit).
If the documents the OFW submitted are complete and the OFW has been qualified for the direct hire
ban exemption, the POEA staff will send the OFW’s application to the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) for approval, and they will also give instructions about the POEA Clearance.
If the OFW has not been qualified for the direct hire ban exemption, they will be requested to go
through a POEA licensed recruitment agency (ref. https://www.poea.gov.ph/cgi-
bin/agList.asp?mode=act&mode=act).
4. Check the POEA website for posting of approved POEA clearance.
If the OFW has been qualified for the direct hire ban exemption, the processing of the POEA
Clearance will take three (3) to seven (7) working days (from the date of filing their Phase 1
application).
Whilst waiting for the clearance, the OFW can work on completing their Phase 2 documents.
Check the “Direct Hire OFWs with Approved POEA Clearance” page on the POEA website (ref.
https://www.poea.gov.ph/dhclearance/directhires.html).
If the OFW’s name is included in the list, the OFW shall print a copy of the notice with their name on it,
and then take the document during your Phase 2 process at the POEA office, as it will be the proof of
POEA Clearance approval.
Application for an OEC :
Once the OFW has been approved for the POEA Clearance, they must return to the POEA office for their
OEC application.
Page 7 of 8
Method of Applications (After All Documents Have Been Gathered)
(Cont.)
Application for an OEC : (Cont.)
The OFW should be ready to spend an entire working day for the OEC application process.
1. Request for an appointment online.
If the OFW’s POEA Clearance application was processed at the POEA Main Office, schedule an
appointment by E-mail at DirecthirePhase2OEC@poea.gov.ph in order to process the OEC. (Note: A
maximum of 25 appointments are processed each day, so the OFW might not be able to make an
immediate appointment but may have to wait a day or so).
The OFWs will be informed via E-mail once their appointment is confirmed.
The OFWs shall print the appointment confirmation and take it with them on the day of their scheduled
OEC issuance. (Note: There is no need to book an appointment if the OFW applied for a POEA
Clearance at a regional office. They should just go back to the same POEA regional office anytime
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, to get their OEC.
2. Go to the POEA office on your appointment schedule.
The OFW shall return to the POEA Main Office (on the date/time of their appointment) or Regional
Office, and they shall make sure that they take all the required documents for the OEC application as
well as a printout of their confirmed appointment (if applicable). (Note: They should avoid a visit
beyond the cut-off time of 4 p.m., otherwise they will have to schedule a new appointment).
On arrival at the POEA office, the OFW should approach the guard, present the copy of their
appointment confirmation and POEA Clearance notice, and get a queue number for the processing of
their OEC.
3. Attend Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).
The OFWs shall proceed to Window 6 on the 2nd floor, DHAD, Land based Center in the POEA Main
Office and obtain a PDOS application form and fill it out.
Attend the two-hour seminar.
Once the PDOS seminar has been completed, the OFWs shall receive their PDOS Certificate and
photocopy it.
4. Submit the OEC application requirements (documents).
The OFW shall go back to DHAD and get a queue number from the guard.
When their number is called, the OFW shall go to Window 6 and submit all the required OEC
documentation.
The documentation will then be evaluated, and the OFWs’ information will be encoded into the POEA
database.
5. Pay the OEC fees.
The OFW shall then go to Window I on the ground floor for their OEC payment assessment.
They shall wait for the assessment of fees to be given to them, and then proceed to the cashier in the
DHAD at Window J to pay for the OEC fees.
The breakdown of the OEC fees are as follows:
♦ USD100.00 (or PHP equivalent) - For the POEA Processing Fee.
♦ USD25.00 (or PHP equivalent) - For the OWWA Membership Contribution (per contract basis).
♦ PHP1,200.00 (for 6 months)/PHP2,400.00 (for 1 year) - For the PhilHealth-Medicare (ref.
https://filipiknow.net/philhealth-contribution/ and https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101927). (Note:
PhilHealth premium payment for OFWs is voluntary. Thus, it is not required for OEC issuance).
♦ PHP100.00/month - For the Contribution to the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).
(Ref. https://filipiknow.net/pag-ibig-contribution-table/).
The OFW shall wait for their OEC receipt to be given to them.
The OFW will need to present this receipt to the Immigration Authorities at the Philippine airport at the
time of their departure to their country of employment.
Page 8 of 8
Method of Applications (After All Documents Have Been Gathered)
(Cont.)
Application for an OEC : (Cont.)
5. Pay the OEC fees. (Cont.)
When the OFW returns back home to the Philippines after working abroad, they do not have to go
through the process of first-time direct-hire registration again, since they are a returning OFW with a
record in the POEA database and a previously issued OEC.
Because of this, the OFW can use BM Online [ref. https://www.bmonline.ph/ and
https://filipiknow.net/bmonline/ (for details)] to get an OEC.
If the OFWs wish to explore getting an OEC exemption, they can refer to the following guide:
https://filipiknow.net/oec-exemption/.
* * * * *