How to Apply for OEC Certificate in Kuwait

For those of you who are going to work in Kuwait, or if you are currently on vacation and planning to return here as an OFW, keep in mind that you need to acquire an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before you exit the Philippines. This document would serve as proof that you have been legally recruited for work overseas.

In this article, we will talk all about how you can apply for an OEC from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuwait. We will discuss the requirements, fees, and steps involved, as well as cases where you may qualify for an OEC exemption.

What is OEC?

First, let us define exactly what an OEC is. Issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the OEC certifies that a Filipino has registered his/her work abroad with this government agency. You can acquire this document through a POEA office in the Philippines or a POLO office overseas.

Now, what is the purposes of an OEC? Section 35 of Republic Act 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995) states that the OEC serves as:

• A travel “exit pass” or “clearance” for OFWs at airports;
• A certificate that exempts OFWs from having to pay travel tax and airport terminal fees; and
• A document guaranteeing that an OFW is covered by protection and benefits from the Philippine government.

Notably, the OEC is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This means that OFWs should ensure that their departure date from the Philippines falls within this period.

What is Balik Manggagawa?

The OEC is sometimes called “Balik Manggagawa” certificate. As the term implies, a “Balik Manggagawa” is an OFW who is planning to go back and work abroad again. He/She may currently be on vacation in the Philippines or on official leave from work. Hence, the person may also be referred to as a “Worker on Leave” (WOL).

Qualifications

Who are eligible or qualified to apply for an OEC? This document may be issued to:

• OFWs who were hired to work abroad via direct hiring;
• OFWs who were hired through a recruitment agency;
• OFWs who were hired through the POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP);
• OFWs who will return to the same company and the same job site abroad;
• OFWs who will return to the same company but in a different job site; and
• OFWs with existing POEA records who will return to work for a different company.

Requirements

If you are an OFW who is planning on going to the Philippines for a vacation, take note that you will need an OEC before returning to Kuwait. Hence, you must prepare the following requirements:

• Balik Manggagawa Online Appointment or Information Sheet (3 copies);
• Employment Contract verified by POLO;
• Passport valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure (original and 2 photocopies);
• Confirmed Flight Ticket;
• Certificate of Employment, Business ID, Latest Payslip, or other documents as proof of employment (for those who are returning to the same company and the same job site);
• Letter from Employer stating transfer to a different job site (for those who are returning to the same company but to a different job site);
• Sworn Statement explaining how employment was acquired (for first-time OEC applicants or those without POEA records);
• OEC Fee of KWD 0.750;
• OWWA Membership Fee of KWD 8 (if applicable); and
• Personal appearance at POLO Kuwait.

How to Get an OEC in Kuwait Online

In 2021, the POEA launched a new online processing system that enables OFWs to apply for an OEC online. They would need to register and create an account, before setting an appointment to get their OECs — or in some cases — to acquire an OEC exemption.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an OEC online:

1. Visit the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) website through this link.
2. On the e-Registration tab, click “Let’s Go!” to start creating an account. Enter the required information, such as a valid email address and a password that you’ll be using to log in. Check your email and click the verification link. Be sure to remember the email address and password that you entered to create your account.
3. Log in to your account and enter or update your details, such as your passport, visa, employment information, and other data.
4. Now, it’s time to apply for an OEC. Go to “My Links” on the left tab, then click “Balik Manggagawa.”
5. Make sure that the initial assessment is colored green, then click “Next.”
6. Enter the date of your departure from the Philippines.
7. Confirm your employment information. The screen will show your latest employment details that are registered with the POEA. Make sure that everything is marked “Clear.”
8. You will be asked, “Are you returning to this job site?” (i.e. the same employer shown on the screen). If your answer is YES, proceed to OEC Exemption (see below). If your answer is NO, proceed to step no. 9.
9. Enter your latest employment information, such as the name of your employer, business permit, employer’s valid ID, employer’s address, and other details.
10. Select the nearest POEA or POLO office, and set your preferred date and time for an appointment.
11. Print your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet.
12. Bring your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet and other necessary documents on the date of your appointment with POEA or POLO to get your OEC.

OEC Exemption

If you are going back to the same employer in Kuwait, then you are exempted from OEC, which means that you do not have to go to a POEA or POLO office for an appointment. Nevertheless, you still need to register with the POEA online processing system and acquire an OEC or Balik Manggagawa exemption. To do this, please be guided by the following procedure:

1. Follow steps 1 to 8 from above (How to Get an OEC in Kuwait Online). You will be asked, “Are you returning to this job site?” (i.e. the same employer shown on the screen). Click “Yes.”
2. Check the details on the screen and make sure that all your employment information are correct. Be sure to enter your contract start date and duration.
3. Upon entering all the necessary details, the system will generate your OEC or Balik Manggagawa exemption. Print this document as proof that you are exempted.

Before you leave the Philippines, show your OEC or Balik Manggagawa exemption to immigration officials at the airport. Again, don’t forget to print a copy of this document to avoid any problems on your date of departure.

How to Get an OEC at POLO Office in Kuwait

Since June 2021, OFWs in Kuwait have been urged to create and register an account on the new POEA online processing system, for the purposes of getting an OEC or OEC exemption, as well as for booking an appointment with a POEA or POLO office.

In particular, those who are not returning to the same employer would need to book an appointment and make a personal appearance at POEA or POLO , in order to get an OEC. If you have a change of employer or job site in Kuwait, then here are the steps you need to take.

Part 1: Booking a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) Appoinment

This applies to OFWs who have a change of employer and/or a change of job site, as well as those who have an existing record with the POEA, but have not yet registered to the new system.

1. Enter your latest employment information on the POEA online processing system.
2. After entering your employment details, click “Submit.”
3. Set a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) Appointment by selecting your preferred processing location (e.g. the nearest POLO or POEA office).
4. Select your preferred appointment date.
5. That’s it! You have just made a BM Appointment.

NOTE: The following OFWs must set an appointment with the POEA only (not POLO): (a) undocumented workers without POEA records; (b) workers or employers who are under a watchlist; (c) OFWs returning to a restricted or non-compliant country; and (d) workers whose jobs are on the list of Mission Critical Skills.

Part 2: Getting an OEC at POLO Kuwait

After booking a BM Appointment, you are now ready to get an OEC at POLO Kuwait.

1. On the date of your appointment, go to the POLO Kuwait office.
2. Show a screenshot or printed copy of your confirmed BM Appointment to the security guard.
3. Show all your documents at the reception table for verification.
4. The reception officer will give you some forms. Fill out these forms and wait for your turn.
5. Pay the applicable fees to the cashier (e.g. KWD 0.750 OEC fee and KWD 8 OWWA Membership Fee).
6. Wait for your OEC to be issued. That’s it!

On the date of your departure from the Philippines, show your OEC to immigration officials at the airport before boarding your flight. Make sure that your OEC is valid on the date of your departure to avoid any problems.

Video: How to Get an OEC Online

To have a better idea on how to get an OEC online, check out this video shared by “The Servant Explorers” channel on YouTube. In this video, the vlogger talks about how he was able to get his OEC or OEC Exemption through the new POEA online processing system. Take time to watch it so you can get some helpful tips!

Frequently Asked Questions

Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about the OEC, OEC exemption, and the new POEA online processing system:

1. How long is the validity of an OEC?

An OEC is valid for 60 days. It must be valid on the date of your departure from the Philippines.

2. How much is the OEC fee in Kuwait?

The OEC fee in Kuwait is KWD 0.750.

3. Can I get an OEC without being a member of OWWA?

No. You need to be an active member of OWWA in order to get an OEC. Hence, you may need to pay the OWWA membership fee of KWD 8 during your application.

4. Who can avail of OEC exemption?

You can get an OEC exemption if you are an OFW who:

• Has an employment visa or work permit;
• Has served or is serving his/her job contract;
• Is returning to the same employer;
• Is returning to the same job site; and
• Has a record in the POEA database.

NOTE: Having a record in the POEA database means that you have been issued an OEC by the POEA or any of its offices in the past.

5. I am returning to the same employer. How can I get an OEC exemption?

If you are going back to the same employer in Kuwait, you register through the POEA online processing system through this link. See to it that all your details are correct, and follow the instructions to get an OEC exemption.

6. I have received confirmation from the POEA online processing system that I am exempted from OEC. Do I still need to go to a POEA or POLO office?

No. Simply print your OEC exemption and present it to immigration officials at the airport on your date of departure from the Philippines.

7. Can I change the email address that I used when signing up on the POEA online processing system?

No. You cannot change the email address that you used upon signing up; this will serve as your permanent log-in account. However, you have the option to change your account password from time to time.

8. Oh no! I forgot the email address and password that I used to create my account on the POEA online processing system. How can I fix this?

Go to the POEA Help Desk through this link. Click “Create a Ticket” to explain your situation. To follow up your ticket, just click “Inquire Ticket.”

9. I was able to get an OEC during my last vacation, but I have not registered with the new POEA online processing system yet. Can I get an OEC exemption?

Even if you have a record with the POEA database and were able to get an OEC before, you still need to register and create an account with the new POEA online processing system, in order to obtain an OEC or OEC exemption.

10. I am returning to the same employer and I was able to get an OEC before. However, the POEA online system is re-directing me to the appointment page. I wonder why?

The POEA online system will re-direct you to the appointment page if you are:

• An OFW on watchlist, or if your employer is on a watchlist;
• An OFW returning to a restricted or non-compliant country;
• An OFW who does not have a record with the POEA, or there are discrepancies between the information that you entered and the information in the system;
• An undocumented worker (e.g. tourist, student, dependent) who became an OFW; and
• A sea-based OFW who became a land-based OFW.

11. Do I need to log into the POEA online processing system every time I go on vacation or on leave to the Philippines?

Yes. Every time that you go on vacation on or leave, you will need to log into the POEA online system and get an OEC or OEC exemption before returning abroad.

Summary

Once again, the OEC is a necessary document for OFWs who are planning to return for work abroad. If you are going back to the same employer and job site, then you may be exempted and would just need to print an OEC exemption instead. Either way, registering an account with the new POEA online system is a must for all OFWs.

In addition, keep in mind the original purpose of an OEC. It is a document that certifies you as a documented OFW who is covered by Philippine government protection and benefits, wherever you may go. It also exempts you from having to pay travel tax and airport terminal fees, while also serving as proof that you have a record with the POEA.

Contact Information: POLO Kuwait

If you have any inquiries and concerns about getting an OEC or OEC Exemption, you can get in touch with the POLO office in Kuwait through their contact details below. Please note that their office hours is between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, from Sundays to Thursdays.

Address: Villa 35-A, Abdulrahman Al-Ghafeki Street, Block 1, Salwa Area, Kuwait
Telephone: +965 9403 9063
Email: jadpolokuwait@gmail.com, polokuwait2017@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POLO.OWWA.KUWAIT

Google Map Location

The POLO office in Kuwait is located in Villa 35-A, Abdulrahman Al-Ghafeki Street, Block 1, Salwa Area. Here is the office’s location on Google Maps, for your reference:

 

DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you are planning to apply for an OEC or OEC exemption in Kuwait anytime soon. Also, please note that the above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. To know more about the latest requirements, fees, steps, and other details on how to get an OEC or OEC exemption — along with other important announcements — please visit the official Facebook page of POLO Kuwait.

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