Congratulations! After months of job seeking, you finally landed a job that allows you to earn in dollars. You attended and completed the trainings, submitted all the required documents including medical examination, and even sat down for one day to attend PDOS, which is compulsory, by the way.
What’s next?
You need to secure your OEC or Overseas Employment Certificate.
What is this?
The OEC is a requirement imposed by POEA to make sure that all migrant workers are documented and protected. Also referred to as “exit pass,” OEC will be presented to international ports of exit in the Philippines to prove the legitimacy of your status as OFW. You will also need the OEC if you intend to take a vacation in the Philippines and go back to your country destination after your vacation leave.
The OEC will likewise exempt you from paying travel tax and airport terminal fee.
Then came DOLE’s Department Order (DO) No. 185-17
In the latest Department Order issued by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, he declared that the issuance of OEC is suspended for 15 working days, both acceptance and processing of application.
The reason behind such suspension?
To cleanse POEA of corruption and to protect the people against illegal recruitment activities. DOLE recognized the presence of individuals and companies who are taking advantage of the increasing demand for workers abroad and the agency aims to put a stop on that. The Labor Department likewise found out that there are corrupt POEA employees who who issue OECs to illegal recruiters.
During the duration of the suspension, there will be an investigating committee who will look into the root of the problem and submit appropriate recommendations.
What is the effect of suspension?
The suspension of issuance of OEC means approximately 75,000 Overseas Filipino Workers cannot be deployed – yet – since this “piece of paper” is an important document required to prove your status as an OFW. It will also take time, perhaps months, before they can get their OEC.
Nonetheless, not all migrant workers are affected. Returnee OFWs, workers on leave (balik manggagawa), and those hired by international organizations, sea-based recruitment agencies, and diplomatic corps are exempted from this suspension.
Don’t worry. The government is doing its best to normalize the situation and at the same time, put an end to illegal recruitment.