How to Apply OEC Certificate in Syria

“If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Syria, it is important for you to obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) whether you are returning to the same employer and job site or if you have changed employers on-site. This document is necessary for the DMW office to verify your overseas employer and protect you from exploitation. Additionally, you will need the OEC whenever you leave the Philippines for employment purposes. To simplify the process for you, we have prepared a detailed guide on how to obtain the OEC in Syria.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Syria

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Its purpose is to validate the legality of the employers of OFWs.

Furthermore, the OEC serves as an exit clearance that OFWs must present to immigration officers before they are allowed to leave the Philippine airport and travel to their overseas job site.

Apart from its clearance function, the OEC provides several benefits to OFWs in Syria. These include exemptions from travel tax and terminal fees, as well as reduced travel tax for their dependents and spouses. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for OFWs in Syria to obtain their OEC before their scheduled return flight.

Requirements

To obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) when vacationing in the Philippines and returning to Syria, the following requirements must be secured according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA):

1. POPS-BaM Appointment form: Schedule an appointment through the POEA’s POPS-BaM (Pre-employment Orientation Seminar – Balik Manggagawa) online system.
2. BM Information Sheet: Fill out the Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet, which includes personal and employment details.
3. Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity from the date of departure. Prepare a copy of the passport’s photo page.
4. Valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa: If applicable, provide the valid Employment Pass and re-entry Visa issued by the Syrian authorities.
5. Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or equivalent document: Obtain and present the valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any other equivalent document required by the Syrian government.
6. POLO-verified Employment Contract: Have your employment contract verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Syria. The POLO stamp is necessary for authentication.
7. Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or travel agency-issued itinerary: Prepare a photocopy of your confirmed round-trip airline ticket or itinerary issued by a travel agency.
8. Proof of active OWWA membership:
   

   For workers with existing DMW records returning to the same employer but in a different job site

   “POPS-BaM Appointment Form BM Information Sheet To proceed with the application process, please make sure you have the following documents:

   1. Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of application. Provide a copy of the photo page of your passport.
   2. Valid Employment Pass and Re-entry Visa: If applicable, provide copies of your valid Employment Pass and re-entry visa.
   3. Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or Equivalent Document: If you don’t have an Employment Pass, provide a copy of your valid work visa, work permit, or any equivalent document.
   4. POLO Verified Employment Contract: Include a photocopy of your employment contract that has been verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
   5. Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket or Travel Agency-Issued Itinerary: Submit a photocopy of your confirmed 2-way airline ticket or itinerary issued by a travel agency.
   6. Proof of Active OWWA Membership: Provide documents such as an official receipt and certificate of coverage to prove your active membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
   7. Other Necessary Documents: Include additional documents such as your Company ID, Employment Certificate, or latest payslip, if required.
   8. Letter from the Employer: Request a letter from your employer confirming the transfer of your job site.

   Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents mentioned above before proceeding with your appointment for the POPS-BaM application process.”

   For workers without existing DMW records and those who have changed employers on-site

   “POPS-BaM Appointment Form BM Information Sheet A 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 a 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 A sworn statement explaining how the worker obtained employment

   On the other hand, workers who don’t have a verified Employment Contract yet should contact POLO Syria for the necessary documents for the application. This document is a prerequisite for acquiring an OEC, so make sure to secure it first.”

   Processing Fees

   Apart from the documentary requirements, you also need to settle the following applicable fees to get your OEC:

   • OEC processing fee of P100
   • OWWA membership fee of US$25

   For those hired by a recruitment agency, your employer will pay you the following:

   • POEA processing fee of P200
   • PhilHealth Medicare fee of P900 (annual coverage)
   • OWWA membership fee of US$25

   Qualifications

   According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is issued to certify the legal employment of Filipino workers abroad. The DMW and POLO only release this document to qualified workers falling under the following categories:

   1. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who acquired work from an overseas employer or sponsor through direct hiring.
   2. OFWs who acquired employment through a recruitment agency.
   3. OFWs hired through DMW’s Government Placement Branch (GPB).
   4. OFWs with existing DMW database records who are returning to the same job site after vacationing, provided they have an employment contract or working visa.
   5. OFWs with existing DMW database records who are returning to the same employer but in a different job site.
   6. OFWs without DMW database records or those who change employers on-site.

   However, according to the DMW, Filipinos with the following status no longer need to obtain an OEC when traveling back and forth within the Philippines. This means they are exempted from the OEC requirement:

   1. Certain Balik-Manggagawa workers, who are returning OFWs who have an existing employment contract and were granted an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before departing the Philippines.
   2. Returning OFWs who are not considered Balik-Manggagawa and have completed their employment contract and returned to the Philippines.
   3. Returning OFWs who have an existing record in the POEA database and are returning to the same employer and job site, regardless of whether they have completed their employment contract or not.

   It’s important to note that the specific requirements and exemptions may be subject to change, so it’s advisable to consult the official websites or contact the relevant government agencies for the most up-to-date information.

   • 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 POLO Syria

   According to a Facebook post by the Department of Manpower Welfare (DMW), all returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are required to book an appointment for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issuance. This also applies to those who are applying for OEC at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). To book an OEC appointment, you need to register an account on the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM by following the steps below:

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

   1. Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
   2. In the e-Registration section, click “Let’s Go and Register.”
   3. Check the box that says “I Accept the Terms of Use.”
   4. Fill out the required fields and click “Register.”
   5. Check your registered email on POPS-BaM and copy the provided Temporary Password.
   6. Input the Temporary Password and change it to your chosen password.
   7. Once you’ve logged in, click “My Profile” on the right side of the dashboard.
   8. Fill out the required details.
   9. Double-check your account details and click “Update Profile.”
   10. Fill out the Identification Details.
   11. Input your Beneficiary details.
   12. Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finish the account setup.

   How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM: For those who already have a POPS-BaM account, make sure to complete your account setup and provide accurate employment details to avoid processing delays for the OEC. You should also update your employment details whenever necessary.

   Additionally, workers with old BM (Balik Manggagawa) accounts should transfer their records to POPS-BaM by clicking “Transfer old BM record” on the DMW Helpdesk section. Then, follow the steps below to book an OEC appointment:

   1. Visit the DMW Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
   2. In the e-Registration section, click “Let’s Go and log in.”
   3. On the dashboard, click “Balik Manggagawa” under “My Links” and click “Next.”
   4. If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.
   5. Input your flight date and click “Next.”
   6. If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer “NO” to the questions to proceed with the booking.
   7. Update the details on your contract and click “Submit.”
   8. Choose a Processing Site and click “Next.”
   9. Take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form.

   Please note that the provided information is based on the given text and may be subject to change. It’s advisable to consult official sources or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the OEC issuance and booking process.

   How to Apply for OEC in POLO Syria

   According to the provided information, there are some details regarding the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issuance process for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Syria. However, due to the lack of specific information on the Philippine Embassy in Damascus’ website and Facebook page, it is uncertain whether the OEC is issued by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW). Therefore, it is advised that OFWs contact the Philippine Embassy in Syria directly to obtain further details on the OEC issuance process.

   It is important to note that POLO Syria does not issue OEC to workers who entered the country with a tourist or visit visa and later obtained a work visa. The same applies to workers who do not have existing records of Employment Contracts verified by DMW or POLO. In such cases, POLO Syria will only process the workers’ Contract Verification, as it is a requirement for applying for the OEC at DMW offices in the Philippines.

   To obtain your OEC, you can expect the following processes:

   1. Visit the POLO Syria or DMW office on the scheduled appointment day.
   2. Approach the receptionist and present your documents for evaluation.
   3. The receptionist will provide you with the necessary forms that need to be filled out.
   4. Submit the completed forms and wait for your turn.
   5. Pay the applicable fees.
   6. Wait for the issuance of your OEC and any other related documents.

   Please keep in mind that the information provided here is based on the given context, and it is always recommended to contact the Philippine Embassy in Syria directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the OEC issuance process.

   How to Get OEC Online in Syria

   Here are the steps to get an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) online in Syria:

   1. Visit the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Pre-employment Orientation Seminar for Balik Manggagawa) website.
   2. In the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in using your credentials.
   3. If any of your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to continue with the registration process.
   4. Input your flight date and click on “Next.”
   5. Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site by selecting “Yes” when prompted.
   6. Once you have completed the registration process, you will be able to print your OEC online.
   7. It is important to note that you should only request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.

   By following these steps, you can obtain your OEC online in Syria and be exempt from paying the OEC processing fee.

   OEC Validity

   As mentioned in the video, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) has a validity period of 60 days. If you plan to stay in the Philippines for three months during your vacation, it is recommended that you do not obtain your OEC at this time. Instead, you should apply for your OEC if your return flight date to your job site is within 60 days, ensuring that it will still be valid on the day you depart.

   Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

   “To obtain an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption in Syria, you need to be returning to the same employer and job site. If this applies to you, please log in to your POPS-BaM account and navigate to the Balik Manggagawa section.”

   Please note that the paraphrased information is provided based on the given context, but specific details may vary. It’s always recommended to refer to official sources or consult with relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

   2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

   To book an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) appointment online, follow these steps:

   1. Log in to your POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa) account.
   2. Once logged in, navigate to the Balik Manggagawa section.
   3. Look for the option to schedule an appointment for your OEC.
   4. Click on the appointment booking link or button.
   5. Select the preferred date and time for your appointment from the available options.
   6. Provide any required information, such as your employment details and personal information.
   7. Double-check the information you entered to ensure accuracy.
   8. Confirm your appointment booking.
   9. Take note of the appointment details, including the date, time, and location (if applicable).
   10. Prepare any necessary documents or requirements for your OEC appointment.

   By following these steps, you will be able to book an OEC appointment online through your POPS-BaM account.

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

   You’ll need an appointment whether you’re processing OEC at POLO Syria or DMW.

   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 Syria?

   The OEC fee in Syria is P100 converted to SYP based on the foreign exchange rate.

   7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

   You need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.

   Summary

   To summarize, Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is crucial for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Syria as it serves as a safeguard against exploitation and grants them access to government assistance and benefits.

   If you are an OFW currently on vacation in the Philippines, it is important to obtain your OEC within 60 days prior to your scheduled return flight. This ensures that your OEC remains valid and helps prevent any delays in your departure.

   Please note that the OEC is a vital document that provides protection and support to OFWs, so it is essential to comply with the necessary requirements and timelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

   Contact Details

   POLO-OWWA Syria
   Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
   Address: Hamzeh bin Al Mutaleb St. Bldg. 56, West Mezzeh Area, Damascus, Syria
   Telephone Numbers: +963 949 155 557, +963 011 612 5138, +963 011 613 2626
   Email: pe.damascuspe@gmail.com
   Website: https://damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph/
   Facebook Page:

   Google Map Location

   Please check out the POLO Damascus office map guide below: