To obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Israel, Filipino workers who are planning to have a short vacation or return to the Philippines due to the end of their contract must follow certain steps. The OEC is a crucial document that verifies legal employment and proper documentation for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It serves as an exit clearance presented to Philippine immigration officers before OFWs are allowed to leave the country. Here is a guide on how to get an OEC in Israel.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Tel Aviv, Israel
- Contact the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Israel: Reach out to the POLO office in Israel to inquire about the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an OEC. You can find their contact information on the official website of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
- Prepare the necessary documents: Typically, the following documents are required to apply for an OEC:a. Valid passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your intended return to Israel.b. Valid work visa and employment contract: Provide a copy of your work visa and employment contract, which should indicate the duration and terms of your employment.c. Proof of employment: Gather any relevant documents that prove your employment in Israel, such as pay stubs, employer certification, or employment ID.
d. Plane ticket or itinerary: Prepare a copy of your confirmed flight ticket or travel itinerary.
e. Payment: Be prepared to pay the necessary fees associated with the processing of your OEC. The fee amount may vary, so it is advisable to contact the POLO office for the exact fee and payment method.
- Schedule an appointment: Coordinate with the POLO office to schedule an appointment for the submission of your OEC application. Follow their instructions regarding the appointment system and ensure you arrive on time.
- Attend the appointment: On the scheduled date and time, visit the POLO office with all the required documents. Submit your application and pay the applicable fees. The POLO staff will verify your documents and process your OEC.
- Receive your OEC: Once your application is approved, you will receive your OEC. Make sure to keep it safe, as you will need to present it to the Philippine immigration officers upon departure from the Philippines and upon arrival in Israel.
It is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the POLO office in Israel to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for obtaining your OEC. It is also advisable to inquire about any additional requirements or updates that may have arisen since this guide was written.
Requirements
As stated on the official website of the Embassy of the Philippines in Tel Aviv, Israel, there are specific requirements that vacationing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) need to fulfill in order to obtain their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The following documents are necessary:
- Duly accomplished and signed POEA BM Information Sheet: This form, provided by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), contains important information about the OFW, such as personal details and employment history.
- Copy of Passport with Re-entry Visa: OFWs must provide a photocopy of their passport, including the re-entry visa. This is necessary to ensure their ability to return to Israel after their vacation.
- POLO verified Standard Employment Contract with the employer’s signature: The employment contract should be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and must bear the signature of the employer. This ensures that the OFW has a legitimate and valid employment arrangement.
- Certificate of Placement by Recruitment Agency (Miktav HaShama): OFWs should obtain a certificate from their recruitment agency indicating their placement for employment. This document serves as proof of the OFW’s engagement with a legitimate agency.
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket: A photocopy of the confirmed round-trip airline ticket is required as proof of the OFW’s intention to return to Israel after their vacation.
- Copy of Employer’s ID (Todazeut, Passport, or Driver’s License): OFWs need to provide a copy of their employer’s identification document, such as their Todazeut (Israeli identity card), passport, or driver’s license. This helps establish the identity of the employer.
Additionally, before proceeding with the application, OFWs are required to register on the POPS-BaM website (Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar – Balik Manggagawa) to generate and print their OFW Information Sheet.
It is important for vacationing OFWs to comply with these requirements to ensure a smooth process in obtaining their OEC. For further information or any updates, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Embassy of the Philippines in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Additional Documents
Here are the additional documents required for contract verification for Household Workers for Diplomats if the worker cannot present a POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) verified Employment Contract:
- Original and 1 photocopy of the contract signed by both the employer and the employee.
- Copies of the employer’s Passport or ID.
- Copies of the employer’s letter to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the issuance of the worker’s visa.
- Letter requesting POLO Contract Verification, explaining how the worker obtained employment.
- 2 copies of the worker’s Passport.
These documents are necessary for the verification process and ensuring that the worker’s employment contract is valid and legitimate.
Processing Fees
The following are the applicable fees payable during the application process:
- OEC processing fee of NIS 10.00
- Contract Verification fee of US$10.00
- OWWA membership fee of NIS 92.00 paid in Shekels (the charges vary based on monthly foreign exchange rates”Please keep in mind that workers must have POLO-verified employment contracts and active OWWA membership before the POLO Israel office can issue the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).”
Qualifications
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) provides protection and privileges to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the government. It includes exemptions from travel tax and terminal fees. The OEC also promotes the importance of obtaining legal employment for the safety of OFWs working abroad. As a result, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) will only issue the OEC to the following eligible individuals:
- OFWs who have obtained employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor.
- OFWs who have been hired through a recruitment agency.
- OFWs who have been hired through POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP).
- OFWs with existing records in the POEA database who are returning to the same job site after taking 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 without records in the POEA database who are changing employers in Israel.
These qualified individuals are eligible to apply for and receive the OEC, which grants them the specified protections and privileges.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Israel
According to the Facebook post from the Philippine Embassy in Israel, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issuance now follows a “No Appointment, No Entry” policy. Therefore, it is important to register on the POPS-BaM platform and schedule an appointment in order to obtain the OEC.
The Embassy will only accommodate walk-in applicants after those with confirmed appointments have received their OEC, provided that the walk-in applicant has a confirmed flight booking within the next 3 days.
However, the Embassy will not process OEC applications for applicants with confirmed flights that exceed 3 days, as it aims to prevent the certificate from expiring before the flight. Consequently, it is recommended to book an appointment with the POLO Israel office within 3 days of your confirmed flight.
To schedule an appointment with the POLO Israel office, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) need to create an account on POPS-BaM and follow the steps outlined below.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
To complete the account setup on the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website, please follow these steps:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Go to the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
- Read and accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out all the required fields on the registration form.
- Click on the “Register” button.
- Check your email inbox that you used during registration on POPS-BaM. Look for the email containing the Temporary Password.
- Copy the Temporary Password from the email.
- Return to the POPS-BaM website and enter the Temporary Password.
- Change the Temporary Password to your preferred password.
- On the right side of your dashboard, locate and click on “My Profile.”
- Fill out all the required details in the profile section.
- Double-check your account details for accuracy.
- Click on the “Update Profile” button to save your changes.
- Proceed to fill out the Identification Details section.
- Enter the necessary information for your Beneficiary.
- Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to complete the account setup.
Following these steps should help you successfully set up your account on the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
After successfully creating an account on POPS-BaM, the worker can proceed with printing and filling out the OFW Information Sheet and scheduling an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) appointment with the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Israel office. If the worker already has an old BM (Balik Manggagawa) account, they can transfer their records to their newly created POPS-BaM account. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
- Go to the POPS-BaM website and navigate to the POEA helpdesk section.
- Look for the option to “Transfer Old BM records” and click on it to match your details with your POPS-BaM account.
- Once your records are transferred, you can proceed to book an OEC appointment.
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal or the POPS-BaM website.
- In the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in to your account.
- On the dashboard, locate the “My Links” section and click on “Balik Manggagawa” and then “Next”.
- If your account is incomplete, provide the required data to continue.
- Input your Flight Date and click “Next”.
- If you are not a Balik Manggagawa or if you are not returning to the same employer and job site, answer “No” to the relevant questions to proceed with the booking.
- Update any necessary details on your contract and click “Submit”.
- Choose a Processing Site from the available options and click “Next”.
- Finally, take a screenshot or print your confirmed appointment schedule for reference.
Make sure to follow these steps carefully to successfully register your account, transfer old BM records (if applicable), and book your OEC appointment through the POPS-BaM website.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Israel
“While the POLO Israel office allows walk-in applicants, priority is given to applicants with confirmed appointments before accommodating walk-ins. It is advisable to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure the issuance of your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate).
In addition, obtaining an OEC at POLO Israel is mandatory for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who are not returning to the same employer and job site, or who have switched employers on-site. However, POLO Israel does not issue OECs to workers who entered the country with a tourist or visit visa and later converted it to a work visa.
These workers should obtain their OECs at POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) offices in the Philippines to ensure proper documentation in the POEA’s database. POLO Israel can only verify the worker’s employment contract, which is necessary when applying for an OEC in the Philippines. To apply for an OEC at POLO Israel, follow the steps outlined below:
- Book an appointment on the POPS-BaM system.
- On the day of your appointment, visit the POLO Israel office and obtain and complete the form provided by the guard.
- Proceed to counter number 1 and submit the form along with the required documents for verification.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait to be called at counter number 2 and provide your POPS-BaM email address and password.
- Pay the processing fee and wait for the issuance of your OEC.
Apart from booking an appointment, OFWs are also required to register on the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS) in order to access government services upon arrival. Additionally, they need to register on the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) platform for the Covid-19 RT-PCR Test.”
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
How to Get OEC Online in Israel
Here are the instructions for obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- In the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in to your account.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to proceed.
- Enter your Flight Date and click on “Next.”
- Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site by selecting “Yes” when prompted.
- After confirming, you can proceed to print your OEC online.
- Remember to request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
It’s important to note that the above process is applicable only for Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site. If you have changed employers or are returning to a different employer and job site, you will need to apply at the POLO Israel office.
Furthermore, if you are returning to Israel and were hired by the GBP (Global Placement Program), you can also obtain your OEC online and benefit from the exemption, which means you won’t have to pay the OEC processing fee.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It is recommended to verify the latest requirements and procedures from official sources such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in Israel.
Paggawa nang OEC Exemption | Using the New Platform ( POPs-BaM )#fyi
As mentioned in the video, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to the same employer and job site may be eligible for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) exemption. However, if an OFW has changed their employer, they will need to book an appointment to obtain their OEC. To qualify for the OEC exemption, the OFW should log in to their POPS-BaM (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar – Balik Manggagawa) account and confirm that they are returning to the same employer and job site. Once confirmed, they can print their OEC online without having to pay the processing fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions about the OEC Certificate:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Israel?
“The OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption is applicable only for Balik Manggagawa or workers who are returning to the same employer and job site. You can obtain an OEC exemption through the POPS-BaM system.”
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You need to register a POPS-BaM account to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in Israel without an appointment?
“You have the option to obtain your OEC in Israel without an appointment. However, please note that POLO Israel gives priority to applicants with confirmed appointments over walk-ins.”
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 Israel?
The OEC processing fee in Israel is NIS 10.00.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, you need an active OWWA membership for OEC issuance.
Summary
To summarize, all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel who are returning to a different employer and job site, and those returning to Israel within 60 days, should obtain their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) office.
On the other hand, Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer can avail an exemption from paying the OEC processing fee by requesting their OEC through the POEA Online Processing System-Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) website. Therefore, the OEC is essential for all OFWs departing the country to work abroad.
Contact Details
POLO Israel
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: Rehov Bnei Dan 18, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 62260
Contact Number: 03-5444531/ 03-6022496
Email: polois_2012@yahoo.com
Website: https://tel-avivpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHinIsrael/Google Map Location
Please see below map guide to the location of the POLO Office in Israel:
