How to Apply OEC Certificate in Libya

• A signed and valid employment contract provided by the company, outlining the terms and conditions of your employment.

Letter or Employment Certificate

• A letter or certificate issued by the company, confirming your hiring date, workplace, and the distance from Tripoli.

Copies of valid Passport, Residence Visa, and Exit and Reentry Visa

• Photocopies of your current and valid passport, residence visa, and exit and reentry visa.

For OFWs deployed after 2016

• If you were deployed to Libya after 2016, you should include a copy of your first entry visa to Libya. Additionally, provide a sworn statement indicating how you obtained employment.

Company master list of Filipino employees

• A document provided by the company that includes a list of Filipino employees working for the company.

Payment of LYD35.00

• Submission of payment amounting to LYD35.00, as required by the relevant authority.
  

  Additional OEC Requirements

  During the application for the Certificate of Exemption at the Philippine Embassy in Libya, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) should submit the following additional requirements to be attached to the Certificate of Exemption. These requirements are necessary to prevent inconvenience when securing the OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) at the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare):

  1. Letter from the Employer: This letter should indicate the request of the OFW to return to the Philippines.
  2. Certificate of Salaries and Benefits: This document should provide details of the OFW’s salary and benefits received from their employer.
  3. Medical and Life Insurance: The OFW should provide proof of having medical and life insurance coverage while working in Libya.
  4. Contingency Plan: This plan should outline the employer’s strategy for handling emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safety and well-being of the OFW.
  5. Guarantee of Immediate Repatriation: Based on the submitted Contingency Plan, the employer should provide a guarantee of immediate repatriation for the OFW if the need arises.
  6. Undertakings from Employer: The employer should provide undertakings on the following matters: a. OFW’s salary should be paid in US dollars or Euros, and not in Libyan Dinars. b. Employers should be solidarity liable for any unpaid or delayed salaries of the OFW. c. Employers should directly employ the OFW, without any involvement of contracting, outsourcing, or subcontracting. d. Employers should be affiliated with esteemed national companies under the National Oil Corporation.

  All the aforementioned requirements should be submitted in their original form along with two photocopies. The original copy will be retained by the DMW, while the Bureau of Immigration requires a Certified True Copy.

  Please note that the information provided here is based on the current guidelines and practices at the time of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It is always advisable to consult the relevant authorities or the Philippine Embassy in Libya for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for the Certificate of Exemption and OEC.”

  OEC Requirements in DMW

  Aside from the requirements for the Certificate of Exemption, here are the following requirements for OEC issuance in DMW:

  • Present Labor Contract in English (If Arabic, provide English translation)
  • Valid working visa in Libya
  • Photocopy of Passport containing Libya’s exit stamp and Philippines entry stamp

  Requirements for POLO Employment Contract Verification

  “Furthermore, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Libya who need to verify their labor contract through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before returning to the Philippines should submit the following documents:

  1. Present Labor Contract in English: If the labor contract is in Arabic, an English translation should be provided. The contract should be the latest version dated from 2018 onwards. Please provide both the original contract and a photocopy.
  2. Valid working visa in Libya: Please submit the original and a photocopy of your valid working visa in Libya.
  3. Photocopy of a valid Passport: Please provide a photocopy of your valid passport.

  These documents are necessary for the verification process and should be submitted to the POLO. It’s important to comply with these requirements to ensure a smooth return to the Philippines. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.”

  Processing Fees

  Before the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), there are certain fees that you need to settle either at the Philippine Embassy in Libya or the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) offices in the Philippines. The applicable fees are as follows:

  1. Certificate of Exemption fee: LYD35.00
  2. POLO Employment Contract Verification fee: LYD14.00
  3. OEC pressing fee: P100 (payable at any DMW office)

  Please note that all fees mentioned above are subject to change, and it is advisable to contact the respective authorities for the most up-to-date information and instructions.

  Qualifications

  To know whether or not you’re qualified to get an OEC, check if you fall under the following:

  Phase 1:OFWs who acquired work from an overseas employer or sponsor via direct hiring In this phase, we will focus on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who obtained employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor. These individuals secured their jobs without the involvement of a recruitment agency. The process of hiring involves the employer or sponsor directly contacting and selecting the OFW for employment. The necessary documentation and employment arrangements are made directly between the OFW and the employer or sponsor.

  Phase 2: OFWs who acquired employment via a recruitment agency In this phase, we will address OFWs who obtained their employment through a recruitment agency. These agencies act as intermediaries between the OFWs and overseas employers. They facilitate the recruitment and selection process, including the necessary documentation and employment arrangements. The OFWs who fall under this category rely on the services of a recruitment agency to secure their job opportunities abroad.

  Phase 3: OFWs hired via DMW’s Government Placement Branch (GBP) This phase involves OFWs who were hired through the Government Placement Branch (GBP) of the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW). The DMW’s GBP serves as a platform for connecting job-seeking OFWs with employment opportunities provided by the government. These OFWs go through a specific placement process managed by the DMW, which includes screening, selection, and deployment to overseas job sites.

  Phase 4: OFWs with existing DMW database records and returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa This phase pertains to OFWs who have existing records in the DMW database and are returning to the same job site after a period of vacationing. These OFWs have previously worked overseas and have maintained a record of their employment with the DMW. They possess a valid employment contract or working visa and are returning to their previous job site to continue their employment.

  Phase 5: OFWs with existing DMW database record returning to the same employer but in a different job site In this phase, we will focus on OFWs who have an existing record in the DMW database and are returning to the same employer but in a different job site. These individuals have previously worked for a particular employer but have been reassigned to a different location. They have a valid employment contract or working visa issued by their employer and are returning to work under the same employer but in a different job site.

  Phase 6: OFWs without DMW database records or changing employers on-site The final phase involves OFWs who do not have records in the DMW database or those who change employers while already abroad. These individuals may have initially acquired their jobs through means other than the DMW or may have changed employers during their overseas employment. The process of changing employers while already on-site requires proper documentation and compliance with the regulations and procedures of the host country.

  Nonetheless, Filipinos with the following status no longer have to get their OEC, as per DMW:

  • Immigrant
  • Permanent Resident
  • Dependent/Spouse of Foreign National
  • Intra-Company Transferee
  • Vacationing OFWs visiting other countries, except their job site
  • Trainee
  • US J1 Visa holder/ Cultural Exchange Programs
  • Other Non-OFW Status as evaluated

  How to Book an OEC Appointment in Libya

  To proceed with obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and if you have already obtained your Certificate of Exemption in Libya, you need to book an appointment for your OEC at any Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) office in the Philippines. However, before you can do that, you must register an account on the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) Online Processing System – Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) platform. If you don’t have an account yet, follow the steps below to register on POPS-BaM:

  1. Visit the official website of the POEA Online Processing System – Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) at [insert website address].
  2. Look for the “Registration” or “Sign Up” button on the homepage and click on it.
  3. Fill out the required information on the registration form, including your personal details such as your full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and contact information. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
  4. Create a username and password for your POPS-BaM account. Ensure that your password is strong and secure.
  5. Choose security questions and provide their corresponding answers. These security questions will be used to verify your identity and assist in account recovery if needed.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions of using the POPS-BaM platform by checking the appropriate box.
  7. Complete the registration process by clicking on the “Submit” or “Register” button.
  8. After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation message or email containing a verification link or code.
  9. Check your email inbox or spam folder for the verification email from POPS-BaM. Click on the verification link or enter the provided verification code to activate your account.
  10. Once your account is activated, you can log in to POPS-BaM using your registered username and password.

  After successfully registering on POPS-BaM, you can proceed to book an appointment for your OEC at any DMW office in the Philippines.

  How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)

  To complete the account setup on the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. Go to the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
  3. Read and accept the Terms of Use by checking the corresponding box.
  4. Fill out all the required fields with your information.
  5. Click on the “Register” button to proceed.
  6. Access your registered email account on POPS-BaM and locate the email containing the Temporary Password.
  7. Copy the provided Temporary Password from the email.
  8. Return to the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website and enter the Temporary Password.
  9. Follow the instructions to change the Temporary Password to your preferred password.
  10. Once you have successfully logged in, locate and click on “My Profile” on the right side of the dashboard.
  11. Fill out all the required details in the profile section.
  12. Double-check all the account details you have entered.
  13. Click on the “Update Profile” button to save the changes.
  14. Proceed to the “Identification Details” section and provide the necessary information.
  15. Input the details of your beneficiary.
  16. To complete the account setup, upload a profile picture and a copy of your Passport as required.

  Make sure to carefully follow these steps to successfully set up your account on the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.

  How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

  1. After successfully creating a POPS-BaM account, make sure to review and complete your employment details. If there are any changes, update them accordingly before proceeding with booking an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) appointment.
  2. For individuals with old BM (Balik Manggagawa) accounts, it is also possible to transfer your records to POPS-BaM. Simply visit the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) website and navigate to the DMW Helpdesk section. Look for the option to transfer your old BM record and follow the provided steps.
  3. To book an OEC appointment, follow these steps:a. Visit the DMW Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM website. b. Click on “Let’s Go” on the e-Registration page and log in to your account. c. On the dashboard, locate the “Balik Manggagawa” section under “My Links” and click “Next.” d. If your profile is incomplete, provide the necessary data to proceed. e. Enter your flight date and click “Next.” f. If you are not a Balik Manggagawa or if you are not returning to the same employer and job site, select “NO” for the relevant questions in order to proceed with the booking. g. Update the details on your contract and click “Submit.” h. Choose a Processing Site and click “Next.” i. Make sure to take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form for reference.

  Please note that the above instructions have been rephrased to provide clearer guidance.

  How to Apply for OEC in Libya

  Amidst the deployment ban imposed by the Philippine Embassy, it remains uncertain whether returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Libya can obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). However, according to a Facebook post from the Philippine Embassy in Libya, OFWs can proceed with processing their Certificate of Exemption at the Embassy. For the issuance of the OEC, OFWs in Libya should complete the necessary procedures at the Department of Labor and Employment-Manila (DMW). Consequently, OFWs in Libya are advised to schedule an appointment at their preferred POEA office in the Philippines for OEC issuance. For the most up-to-date information regarding the OEC issuance process, it is advisable to contact the Philippine Embassy in Libya.

  How to Get OEC Online in Libya

  “For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to the same employer and job site, as well as returning workers hired by the Government Placement Branch (GBP), you are eligible for OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption and can obtain your OEC online through the POPS-BaM system. This means you are not required to visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office, and you are also exempted from paying the OEC processing fee. To obtain your OEC online, please follow the steps below:

  BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION REQUIRED TO ALL OVERSEAS WORKERS TO SECURE OEC

  As mentioned in the video, Filipinos who hold permanent immigrant status or are temporary visitors vacationing in the Philippines and returning abroad are not required to visit the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) and are exempt from obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This exemption applies even if they are on continuous contract renewal, meaning that the OEC is no longer necessary for them.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Libya:

  1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Libya?

  To get an OEC exemption in Libya, log in to POPS-BaM and print your OEC online.

  2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

  1. Log in to POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Online Processing System-Balik Manggagawa).
  2. Once logged in, locate and click on the “Balik Manggagawa” option.
  3. You will be directed to the Balik Manggagawa page, where you can start the appointment booking process.
  4. Follow the instructions provided on the page to complete the necessary details and requirements for your appointment.
  5. Ensure that you have all the required documents ready, such as your passport, valid work visa, and flight details.
  6. Provide accurate information and double-check all the details you entered before proceeding.
  7. Once you have completed the necessary steps and provided the required information, submit your appointment request.
  8. After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation message or notification indicating the status of your appointment.
  9. Wait for further instructions or notifications regarding your appointment, which may include the date, time, and location for processing your OEC.
  10. Make sure to attend your appointment on the scheduled date and time. Bring all the necessary documents and requirements as instructed.

  Remember to regularly check your POPS-BaM account for any updates or changes regarding your OEC appointment.

  3. Can I get OEC in Libya without an appointment?

  Booking an appointment is necessary when applying for OEC at DMW or POLO.

  4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

  If you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking, you can get an OEC at the Philippine airport.

  5. How long is OEC valid?

  OEC is valid for 60 days.

  6. How much is the OEC fee in Libya?

  The OEC fee is P100.

  7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

  You need an active OWWA membership for OEC issuance.

  Summary

  To summarize, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to Libya need to follow two procedures in order to obtain their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). First, they must obtain a Certificate of Exemption from the Philippine Embassy in Libya. After that, they should process their OEC at any Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) office in the Philippines.

  However, it is advisable to contact the Embassy and DMW directly to confirm the most up-to-date procedure for OEC issuance, as the information available on their website and Facebook page is limited.

  Contact Details

  Philippine Embassy Tripoli, Libya
  Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
  Address: East Janzour, Tripoli, Libya
  Telephone Numbers: +218 944 541 283, +218 926 976 523
  Email: tripolo.pe@dfa.gov.ph
  Website: https://tripolipe.dfa.gov.ph/
  Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinLibya

  Google Map Location

  Below is the map location guide of the Philippine Embassy in Libya: