The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a crucial document required for Filipino workers being deployed abroad. It serves as an exit clearance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The OEC also serves as proof that the worker has fulfilled the necessary pre-employment documentary requirements.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Macau
To obtain an OEC, workers must first secure a job offer from an employer based in a foreign country. Once the job offer is secured, workers can proceed to apply for an OEC at the POEA. The application process can be completed online and typically takes around two weeks. Once the OEC is issued, workers are then permitted to depart for their overseas job.
Furthermore, for OFWs in Macau who plan to take a holiday break in the Philippines for emergency or leisure reasons and intend to return to their job site to fulfill or renew their employment contract, obtaining an OEC is essential. This document certifies that they have a legal employer and are authorized to leave the country for employment purposes. OFWs in Macau can refer to our comprehensive guide on how to obtain an OEC in Macau.
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), issued by the DMW office, is a vital document that verifies the legality of work for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad. Additionally, the OEC serves as an exit clearance that OFWs must present to immigration officers before being allowed to leave Philippine airports. In summary, OFWs who fail to present a valid OEC during their return flight will be prohibited from departing to their job site. Therefore, OFWs in Macau are strongly encouraged to obtain an OEC at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Macau to ensure a smooth return to work abroad.

Requirements
To obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from POLO Macau, you will need to secure the following documents according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DMW):
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- BM Information Sheet
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of the photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO-verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Proof of active OWWA membership, such as an official receipt and certificate of coverage
- Other necessary documents, such as Company ID, Employment Certificate, or the latest payslip
Please make sure to have these documents prepared when applying for your OEC from POLO Macau.
For workers with existing DMW records returning to the same employer but in a different job site
“POPS-BaM Appointment Form BM Information Sheet Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of the photo page) Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document POLO-verified Employment Contract Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary Letter from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site”
For workers without existing DMW records and those who have changed employers on-site
“POPS-BaM Appointment Form BM Information Sheet To proceed with the appointment, please ensure you have the following documents:
- Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of the photo page)
- Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment
Please make sure to provide all the necessary documents at the time of your appointment. Thank you.”
Additional documents for Household Service Workers (HSWs)
For new-hire HSWs
- Entry Permit for Work Purposes
- Exemption from Entry Restriction issued by Macau Authorities
For vacationing and returning HSWs
- Macau Non-resident Workers ID (blue card) valid for at least 3-months
- Exemption from Entry Restriction issued by Macau Authorities
Processing Fees
Aside from the requirements mentioned earlier, there are additional fees that you need to settle before your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is issued by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Macau. These fees are converted to Macau Pataca (MOP$) based on the foreign exchange rate. The applicable fees are as follows:
- OEC processing fee: P100
- OWWA membership fee: US$25
Please note that all fees should be paid in the equivalent amount in Macau Pataca.
Qualifications
“Since the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine government have the objective of safeguarding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during their employment abroad, the main purpose of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is to verify if they have obtained legal employment overseas. Additionally, holding an OEC provides OFWs with benefits such as exemption from travel tax and terminal fees. If OFWs are traveling with their spouses and dependents, they are also eligible for reduced travel tax. However, the DOLE and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) only issue OECs to the following categories of workers:
- OFWs who have obtained employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor.
- OFWs who have acquired employment through a recruitment agency.
- OFWs hired through the DOLE’s Government Placement Branch (GBP).
- OFWs with existing records in the DOLE’s database who are returning to the same job site after a vacation, with an employment contract or working visa.
- OFWs with existing records in the DOLE’s database who are returning to the same employer but in a different job site.
- OFWs without records in the DOLE’s database or those who change employers on-site.
While the OEC is mandatory for OFWs, Filipino individuals with the following statuses are not required to obtain an OEC, according to the DOLE:
- Immigrants
- Permanent Residents
- Dependents/Spouses of Foreign Nationals
- Intra-Company Transferees
- Vacationing OFWs visiting countries other than their job site
- Trainees
- US J1 Visa holders/Cultural Exchange Program participants
- Other non-OFW statuses as evaluated by the DOLE.”
I hope this rephrased version is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Macau
To proceed with booking an OEC appointment with POLO Macau as a qualified worker mentioned earlier, you must first register a POPS-BaM account. Follow the steps below to complete the registration process:
- Access the POPS-BaM website through your preferred web browser.
- Look for the “Register” or “Sign Up” option on the website’s homepage and click on it.
- Fill in the required information accurately in the registration form. You will typically be asked to provide details such as your full name, contact information, email address, and preferred username and password. Ensure that the information you provide is correct and up-to-date.
- Create a strong password for your account. It is recommended to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance the security of your account.
- Review the terms and conditions, privacy policy, or any other agreements provided by POPS-BaM. If you agree to the terms, check the box indicating your consent.
- Complete any additional verification steps, such as solving a CAPTCHA or confirming your email address through a verification link sent to the provided email.
- Once you have successfully registered, you can now log in to your POPS-BaM account using your chosen username and password.
After registering on POPS-BaM, you will be able to proceed with booking an OEC appointment with POLO Macau. Make sure to follow any specific instructions or guidelines provided by POLO Macau during the appointment booking process.
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:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Look for the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
- Read and check the box to accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out all the required fields in the registration form.
- Click on the “Register” button to submit your registration.
- Access your registered email on POPS-BaM and find the email containing the Temporary Password.
- Copy the provided Temporary Password from the email.
- Return to the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website and log in using your registered email and the Temporary Password.
- Follow the instructions to change the Temporary Password to your preferred password.
- Once logged in, locate the dashboard and click on “My Profile” on the right side.
- Fill out all the required details in your profile.
- Double-check the accuracy of your account details.
- Click on the “Update Profile” button to save the changes.
- Fill out the Identification Details as requested.
- Input your Beneficiary details as required.
- Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to complete the account setup.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully set up your account on the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
“If you have already registered a POPS-BaM account, please review your employment details and make any necessary updates before scheduling an OEC appointment. However, if you have an old BM account, you can transfer your records to POPS-BaM by clicking on ‘Transfer old BM record’ in the DMW Helpdesk section. Once transferred, follow the steps below to book an OEC appointment:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click on ‘Let’s Go’ and log in to your account.
- On the dashboard, go to ‘My Links’ and select ‘Balik Manggagawa,’ then click ‘Next.’
- If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.
- Enter your flight date and click ‘Next.’
- If you are not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer ‘NO’ to the questions in order to proceed with the booking.
- Update the details on your contract and click ‘Submit.’
- Choose a Processing Site and click ‘Next.’
- Take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form.”
Please note that this paraphrase aims to capture the main instructions and steps while using different words to express the same meaning.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Macau
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to a different employer or job site, it is necessary for you to personally apply for your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Macau. It is important to book an appointment beforehand to ensure a smooth process.
However, please note that POLO Macau will not issue the OEC to workers who do not have a verified Employment Contract, existing records on the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW), or those who initially arrived in the country with a tourist or visit visa and obtained a work visa thereafter. In such cases, these workers should verify their Employment Contract from POLO Macau and book an OEC appointment at the DMW offices in the Philippines.
To apply for your OEC at POLO Macau, please follow the steps below:
- On your appointment date, go to POLO Macau.
- Approach the receptionist and present your documents for verification.
- Fill out the forms provided by the receptionist and submit them.
- Pay the applicable fees for the OEC processing.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and any other necessary documents.
Make sure to complete these steps in order to obtain your OEC before returning to your new employer or job site.
How to Get OEC Online in Macau
If you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site, it is recommended to obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System (POPS-BaM). By availing the OEC exemption, you no longer need to pay the processing fee, which also applies to returning workers hired by the Government Placement Branch (GBP). To obtain your OEC online in Macau, follow the steps outlined below:
- Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click “Let’s Go” and log in using your credentials.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to proceed with the registration.
- Input your Flight Date and click “Next.”
- Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site by selecting “Yes” in response to the relevant questions.
- Once you have completed the process, print your OEC online. Remember to request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
It is important to note that these instructions are specific to obtaining the OEC online in Macau. For other locations or additional information, please refer to the official DMW Online Services Portal or contact the relevant authorities for guidance.
OFWs Apply for OEC Certificate in Macau
BABALA SA MGA EXEMPTED NA SA OEC NGUNIT HINDI MAKAKUHA NG OEC EXEMPTION SA POPSBAM
As mentioned in the video, Balik Manggagawa or workers who are returning to the same employer and job site and are experiencing difficulties in printing their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online via the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM), should visit any Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office without scheduling an appointment.
Since the worker is a Balik Manggagawa, they can directly proceed to the designated printing area in the DOLE office to claim their OEC.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Macau?
To obtain an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption in Macau, follow these steps:
- Log in to your POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System) account.
- Confirm your status as a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
- Proceed to print your OEC online.
By completing these steps, you will be able to secure an OEC exemption for your employment in Macau.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
- Log in to POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa).
- Once logged in, navigate to the Balik Manggagawa section.
- Look for the option to book an OEC appointment and click on it.
- Fill in the required information accurately, such as your personal details and employment information.
- Select the preferred appointment date and time from the available slots.
- Review the information you provided to ensure its accuracy.
- Confirm your booking by clicking the appropriate button.
- After successfully booking your OEC appointment, make sure to take note of the reference number or any confirmation details provided.
Remember to prepare and bring the necessary documents and requirements for your OEC appointment. These may include your passport, work visa, employment contract, and other relevant documents. It’s also a good idea to check the POPS-BaM website or contact the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for any additional instructions or updates regarding the OEC appointment process.
3. Can I get OEC in Macau without an appointment?
Securing your OEC in POLO Macau requires an appointment.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the airport if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Macau?
The OEC fee in Macau is P100, converted to MOP$.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, you’ll need an active OWWA membership since it’s a requirement for OEC issuance.
Summary
“In summary, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Macau should make sure to have a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) when they go on vacation to the Philippines and when they return to their job site afterwards. For Balik Manggagawa (returning OFWs), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) encourages you to obtain your OEC online, as there is no longer a need to submit documentary requirements or pay the processing fee.
If you are planning to go on vacation soon, it is recommended that you follow this guide or contact the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Macau using the contact details provided below for further information.
[Contact details for POLO Macau can be inserted here]
It is important for OFWs to comply with the necessary requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth transition between their vacation and work abroad. By obtaining a valid OEC, you can avoid any unnecessary delays or complications during your travels.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA Macau
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday (excluding holidays)
Address: 1406 14th Floor AIA Tower Building 251A-301, Avenida Comercial de Macau, Macau SAR
Telephone Numbers: Landline- +853 2871 5039, POLO- +853 6687 2509, OWWA- +853 6258 7887
E-mail: polomacau@yahoo.com/polomacau.info@gmail.com, macau@owwa.gov.ph/owwamacau@polo-owwa
Website:Â https://polomacau.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page:https://facebook.com/PoloOwwaPhilcongenMacau/, https://facebook.com/PHinMacau
Google Map Location
Please check out the POLO Macau office map guide below:

