“If you are a Filipino worker residing in New Zealand, it is necessary to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) when visiting the Philippines for either leisure or emergency purposes. The OEC is a crucial document that must be acquired from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) if you are either returning to your previous employer or leaving the country for employment. Whether it is your first time working abroad or returning to your job site, obtaining the OEC is mandatory. To facilitate the process and ensure convenience, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how to obtain the OEC in New Zealand.How to Apply OEC Certificate in New Zealand
Additionally, applying for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) assists Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in verifying their employment documents and confirming the legality and financial capability of their employers. This safeguards OFWs from exploitation and guarantees their entitlement to government protection, assistance, and benefits. The document also serves as an exit clearance, allowing OFWs to pass through immigration officers at Philippine airports before departing for overseas employment. In essence, without the OEC, an OFW will be unable to secure employment abroad or return to their previous job site. Thus, OFWs in New Zealand are strongly advised to apply for their OEC at the POLO Wellington office.”
Note: I have made slight changes to improve clarity and readability while preserving the original meaning of the text.
Requirements
As stated on the official website of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga are required to verify their Employment Contract at the POLO Wellington office. After the Contract Verification, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) will be issued at the POEA offices in the Philippines, as per the POEA Memorandum Circular 02 series of 2019. To apply for the OEC, OFWs need to secure the following requirements:
- Book an OEC appointment on POPS-BaM and select a date and time for the appointment at any POEA office in the Philippines.
- Original Employment Contract signed by the employer and employee.
- Copy of a valid Working Visa.
- Valid Passport with at least 6 months of validity (include a copy of the photo page).
- Proof of existing employment, such as a Company ID, Certificate of Employment, or the latest payslip.
- Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained work (required for workers without POEA records or those who have changed employers on-site).
- Paid self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number sticker (if submitting requirements to POLO Wellington via email).
- Copy of a signed Addendum (which demonstrates compliance with POEA minimum requirements for hiring OFWs).
- If the employer refuses to sign the Addendum, workers may submit an insurance policy as an alternative document. The policy should provide coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation to the Philippines in case the worker suffers from severe illness or sudden death.
- Ensure active OWWA membership before applying for the OEC.
It is important for OFWs to follow these requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth process when obtaining their Overseas Employment Certificate.
Processing Fees
For OEC issuance, pay in cash the following applicable fees at POLO Wellington:
- OEC processing fee is P100 converted to NZD
- POLO verification fee of NZD 16.00
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00 converted to NZD
Qualifications
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as a crucial document for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It not only ensures that OFWs have legal employers abroad but also provides them with certain benefits, such as exemption from travel tax and terminal fees. Moreover, OFWs who possess an OEC can avail reduced travel tax rates when traveling with their spouse and dependents. The issuance of OEC is carried out by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and is restricted to qualified workers falling under the following categories:
- OFWs who obtained employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor through direct hiring.
- OFWs who were hired by a recruitment agency.
- OFWs who were hired through the Government Placement Branch (GBP) of the POEA.
- OFWs with existing records in the POEA database who are returning to the same job site after a vacation, provided they have an employment contract or working visa.
- OFWs with existing records in the POEA database who are returning to the same employer but in a different job site.
- OFWs who do not have records in the POEA database or who change employers on-site.
It is important to note that this information is accurate as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the current requirements and processes with the relevant authorities as they may have changed since then.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO New Zealand
While the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) takes place at POEA offices in the Philippines, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) should visit the POLO Wellington office to submit their requirements for verifying their Employment Contract. This process applies to OFWs who are returning overseas to work for a different employer or at a different job site. However, it is important to note that booking an OEC appointment is necessary for OEC issuance, and you should select a POEA office in the Philippines as the processing site, not POLO Wellington. Additionally, you need to register a POPS-BaM account in order to book an OEC appointment. Please follow the steps below to register your POPS-BaM account and book an OEC appointment:
- Access the POPS-BaM website.
- Click on the “Register” button to create a new account.
- Fill in the required personal information accurately, including your full name, date of birth, contact details, and email address.
- Create a unique username and password for your account. Make sure to choose a secure password.
- After filling in all the necessary information, submit the registration form.
- Check your email for a verification link sent by POPS-BaM. Click on the link to verify your email address.
- Once your email is verified, log in to your POPS-BaM account using your chosen username and password.
- Navigate to the appointment booking section within the POPS-BaM portal.
- Select the appropriate options for OEC issuance and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment.
- Confirm your appointment details and make note of the reference number provided.
- On the scheduled date, visit the selected POEA office in the Philippines (not POLO Wellington) for the OEC issuance. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents and requirements for verification.
Remember to follow the instructions provided by the POEA and POLO Wellington offices accurately to ensure a smooth process for obtaining your OEC.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
Here are the steps to follow for visiting the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website and registering:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Look for the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
- Read and accept the Terms of Use by checking the corresponding box.
- Fill out all the required fields in the registration form.
- After completing the form, click on the “Register” button.
- Check your registered email on POPS-BaM and locate the email containing the Temporary Password provided.
- Copy the Temporary Password from the email.
- Return to the POPS-BaM website and input the Temporary Password.
- You will be prompted to change your password. Choose a new password and enter it in the appropriate field.
- Once you’ve successfully changed your password, you will be logged into your account.
- On the dashboard, locate and click on “My Profile” on the right side.
- Fill out all the required details in the profile form.
- Double-check your account details to ensure accuracy.
- Click on the “Update Profile” button to save your information.
- Proceed to fill out the Identification Details section, providing the necessary information.
- Input your Beneficiary details as required.
- To complete the account setup, upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport.
Please note that the specific layout and terminology on the website may vary slightly, so make sure to follow the instructions accordingly.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
“After receiving a verified Employment Contract from POLO Wellington and registering a POPS-BaM account, you can proceed to schedule an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) appointment at any POEA office. It is important to ensure that your POPS-BaM account information is accurate to avoid any delays during the OEC processing. If you have an old BM (Balik Manggagawa) account, you need to transfer your records to the newly created POPS-BaM account. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM website.
- Click on the e-Registration section and select “Let’s Go” to log in.
- On the dashboard, click on “Balik Manggagawa” under My Links and click “Next.”
- If your profile is incomplete, provide the required information 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 ensure that you follow these steps accurately to book your appointment at any POEA office in the Philippines.”
How to Apply for OEC in POLO New Zealand
“For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Wellington who need to visit the POEA office to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or those who have changed employers and job sites, it is necessary to personally go to the POLO Wellington office and submit the required documents to verify your Employment Contract. To inquire about the Contract Verification, you should also send an email to POLO Wellington to check if an appointment is required.
Upon arrival at POLO Wellington, complete the necessary forms and submit your documents. Then, follow the instructions provided by POLO Wellington to obtain your OEC at the POEA office in the Philippines.
Alternatively, for OFWs located outside Wellington, you should send your documents via NZPost courier service along with a tracking number sticker. Mail the required documents to POLO Wellington at Level 1, 286 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington, 6011. It’s important to note that POLO Wellington does not accept applications for Employment Contract verification if the worker submits their requirements via email.
Please note that the information provided above has been paraphrased.”
How to Get OEC Online in New Zealand
For workers returning to the same employer and job site, known as Balik Manggagawa, there is now the convenience of obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online. This privilege extends to returning workers employed by GBP, who can also benefit from OEC exemption and are no longer required to visit POLO Wellington and POEA offices. These workers are exempted from paying the OEC processing fee and submitting documents, as they can simply print their OEC online via POPS-BaM. To obtain the OEC online, follow these steps:
- Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click on the e-Registration section and select “Let’s Go” to log in.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the necessary information to proceed.
- Enter 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 answering “Yes” to the questions.
- Print your OEC online and make the request within 60 days of your return flight date.”
Please note that the paraphrased version captures the essence of the original text while presenting it in different words.
15 STEPS ON HOW TO APPLY OEC FROM POEA FOR DIRECT HIRE
As mentioned in the video, having a valid passport is crucial when applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). It is important to ensure that the passport has a minimum validity of six months from the date of application. Additionally, to obtain a POLO endorsement letter, original and authenticated documents such as a valid work visa, employment contract, and company profile are required.
If you are planning to work in specific countries like Canada, the USA, Africa, or the Middle East, there may be additional requirements that need to be submitted. These country-specific requirements vary, so it is important to check with the respective embassy or consulate for the specific documents needed.
Please let me know if there’s anything else you would like to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in New Zealand:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in New Zealand?
You should have a POPS-BaM account to get an OEC exemption.
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You can book an OEC appointment online via POPS-BaM.
3. Can I get OEC in New Zealand without an appointment?
As of the time of writing, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Wellington, New Zealand, is responsible for verifying the Employment Contract. However, the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is handled by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) offices in the Philippines. Therefore, if you are in Wellington and need an OEC, you will have to schedule an appointment to obtain it at the POEA office in the Philippines.
Please note that processes and procedures may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
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 only valid for 60 days.
6. How much is the OEC fee in New Zealand?
The OEC fee is P100 converted to NZD based on the monthly foreign exchange rate.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, you need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.
Summary
In summary, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in New Zealand are required to process the verification of their Employment Contract at the POLO Wellington office. The issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) takes place at POEA offices in the Philippines.
Therefore, OFWs who reside in the jurisdiction under POLO Wellington should ensure that they obtain their POLO-verified Employment Contract before returning to the Philippines. This is a crucial requirement for obtaining the OEC. If you have any inquiries or need information on the latest procedure for OEC issuance, please reach out to POLO Wellington via email.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA Wellington, New Zealand
Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Level 1, 286 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington, New Zealand
POLO Telephone Number: (00644) 260 1161
Philippine Embassy New Zealand Telephone Numbers: (04) 8903741, (04) 8903742, (04) 8903744
Emails: polo.newzealand@philembassy.org.nz, owwa.newzealand@philembassy.org.nz, wellington.pe@philembassy.org.nz
Website: https://booking.philembassy.org.nz/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHLinNZ
Google Map Location
Please see the map guide to the location of POLO-office in Wellington below:
