Applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is necessary for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are on vacation in the Philippines and plan to return to their job site overseas to fulfill or renew an existing employment contract. This requirement also applies to first-time workers and returning OFWs who will be leaving the Philippine airport to work abroad.

If you are an OFW in Berlin, Germany, you can apply for an OEC at the POLO Berlin office or attend a Consular Outreach Mission hosted by the Philippine Embassy and POLO across Germany. To assist you with the application process, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on how to apply for an OEC in Berlin, Germany.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Berlin, Germany

As time goes by, OFWs may need to return to the Philippines for holiday vacations, emergency reasons, or when their contract expires. Therefore, these workers must apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before returning to the country for their employment.

The OEC is a crucial document for OFWs as it certifies their legal employment abroad and enables them to access protection, assistance, and benefits from the government. Additionally, the OEC serves as an exit clearance that OFWs must present to immigration officers before departing the country for employment purposes.

In summary, if you are vacationing in the Philippines and planning to return to your employment in Berlin, Germany, it is necessary to obtain an OEC to ensure a smooth return.

Requirements

Here are the requirements that OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) need to comply with to obtain their OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) at POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Berlin, Germany:

POPS-BaM Appointment form: OFWs should complete the POPS-BaM (Pre-employment Orientation Seminar – Balik Manggagawa) Appointment form. This form is typically available through the POLO Berlin office or their website.
BM Information Sheet: OFWs must fill out the BM (Balik Manggagawa) Information Sheet. This sheet contains essential details about the OFW, their employment, and their planned vacation.
Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page): OFWs need to provide a copy of the photo page of their passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document: OFWs should present their valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any other equivalent document issued by the German authorities that allows them to work in Germany.
Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin: The OFW’s employment contract should be verified by POLO Berlin. This verification ensures that the contract complies with the rules and regulations set by the Philippine government and provides necessary protection for the OFW.

It’s important to note that these requirements may be subject to change, and it’s always advisable to contact the POLO Berlin office directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information and procedures.

For workers with existing POEA 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 photo page)
Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin
Letter from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site

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

POPS-BaM Appointment form
BM Information Sheet
Valid Passport with at least 6-month validity (copy of photo page)
Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
Employment Contract verified by POLO Berlin

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves multiple purposes for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In addition to ensuring that OFWs have obtained legal employment or are working under a legal employer abroad, the OEC provides them with government protection, assistance, and benefits. These benefits include exemptions from travel tax and terminal fees. Furthermore, OFWs who possess an OEC and travel with their spouse and dependents can avail of reduced travel tax. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) issue OEC to the following categories of workers:

OFWs who acquired work from an overseas employer or sponsor through direct hiring.
OFWs who were hired through a recruitment agency.
OFWs who were hired through the POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP).
OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same job site after vacationing, provided they have an employment contract or working visa.
OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same employer but in a different job site.
OFWs who do not have records in the POEA database or change employers while already on-site.

These guidelines and provisions aim to ensure that OFWs are protected, have access to necessary assistance, and receive the benefits they are entitled to while working abroad.

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Berlin, Germany

To register on POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Online Services Portal – Balik Manggagawa), please follow the steps below:

Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
On the e-Registration section, 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. You will receive a Temporary Password.
Copy the provided Temporary Password from your email.
Input the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
Once you have successfully logged in, locate and click on “My Profile” on the right side of the dashboard.
Fill out the required details in your profile.
Double-check all the account details you have provided.
Click on the “Update Profile” button to save the changes.
Fill out the Identification Details as required.
Input the necessary Beneficiary details.
Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to complete the account setup.

By following these steps, you will be able to register on POPS-BaM and proceed with the necessary processes related to securing your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) vacationing in the Philippines and returning to Germany for work. Remember, if you are returning to Berlin, Germany, to a different employer or job site, you will need to book an appointment and personally visit the POLO Berlin office to obtain your OEC.

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

Here are the steps you need to follow to book an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) appointment with POLO Berlin using the POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Online Processing System – Balik Manggagawa) website:

Start by registering for an account on the POPS-BaM website and ensure that your account setup is complete by providing the required data. Make sure that all your account details are correct to avoid any delays during the OEC processing.
If you had a previous BM (Balik Manggagawa) account, transfer your records to your newly created POPS-BaM account. To do this, visit the POPS-BaM website and locate the DMW (Document Management Window) Helpdesk section. Click on “Transfer Old BM records” and wait for 6 to 8 hours before using your POPS-BaM account.

Once your account is set up, follow these steps to book your OEC appointment with POLO Berlin:a. Visit the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) Online Services Portal or the POPS-BaM website.b. On the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in using your POPS-BaM account credentials.

c. On the dashboard, find and click on “Balik Manggagawa” under the “My Links” section, and then click “Next”.

d. If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.

e. Input 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, answer “NO” to the corresponding questions to proceed with the booking.

Sworn Statement explaining how the worker obtained employment

In addition to the aforementioned requirements, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should make sure that their membership status in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is active when applying for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). However, for those workers who do not have a verified Employment Contract by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Berlin, they should request a Contract Verification from POLO and submit the required documents.

Processing Fees

The following are the applicable fees you may pay for OEC issuance at POLO Berlin:

OEC Processing fee of €9.00
OWWA membership fee of US25.00 converted to Euro
POLO Verification fee of €27.00/page

Qualifications

Start by registering for an account on the POPS-BaM website and ensure that your account setup is complete by providing the required data. Make sure that all your account details are correct to avoid any delays during the OEC processing.
If you had a previous BM (Balik Manggagawa) account, transfer your records to your newly created POPS-BaM account. To do this, visit the POPS-BaM website and locate the DMW (Document Management Window) Helpdesk section. Click on “Transfer Old BM records” and wait for 6 to 8 hours before using your POPS-BaM account.
Once your account is set up, follow these steps to book your OEC appointment with POLO Berlin:a. Visit the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) Online Services Portal or the POPS-BaM website.b. On the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in using your POPS-BaM account credentials.c. On the dashboard, find and click on “Balik Manggagawa” under the “My Links” section, and then click “Next”.d. If your profile is incomplete, provide the required data to proceed.e. Input 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, answer “NO” to the corresponding questions to proceed with the booking.

How to Apply for OEC in POLO Berlin, Germany

As mentioned earlier, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to a different employer or job site need to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Berlin, Germany, and fulfill the necessary requirements. However, it is important to note that POLO Berlin will not issue an OEC to workers who do not have a POLO-verified Employment Contract, those without an existing record in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and individuals who arrived in Germany with a tourist or visit visa and subsequently acquired a work visa.

For such workers, it is necessary to request Contract Verification from POLO Berlin in order to obtain a verified Employment Contract. Subsequently, when on vacation in the Philippines, they can apply for the OEC at the POEA. To apply for the OEC at POLO Berlin, Germany,

How to Get OEC Online in Berlin, Germany

If you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site, you can obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online and be exempted from visiting the POLO Berlin office and paying the OEC processing fee. Here are the steps to get your OEC online:

Go to 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.
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” to the relevant questions.
Print your OEC online and make sure to request it within 60 days of your return flight date.

By following these steps, you can conveniently obtain your OEC online and enjoy the exemption from visiting the POLO Berlin office and paying the OEC processing fee.

MGA REQUIREMENTS SA PAGKUHA NG OEC SA POEA | OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS POEA

As discussed in the video, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) need to ensure that they have the necessary documents when applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at POEA offices. Additionally, OFWs should make the required payments for Pag-IBIG contribution and insurance at the POEA office.

It’s important to note that POEA does not accommodate walk-in applicants due to the high number of individuals seeking documents. Therefore, OFWs must bring a printed appointment confirmation from POPS-BaM in order to enter the POEA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Berlin, Germany?

You must log in to your POPS-BaM account and verify that you are a Balik Manggagawa in order to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) exemption.

2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

To log in to your POPS-BaM account and indicate that you’re returning to a different employer or job site to book an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) appointment online, follow these steps:

Open your web browser and visit the POPS-BaM website.
Look for the login section on the homepage and enter your username and password. If you don’t have an account yet, you may need to register first.
After successfully logging in, you will be directed to your account dashboard.
Navigate to the section or tab that relates to OEC appointments or bookings. The exact location may vary depending on the website’s layout.
Look for an option to indicate that you’re returning to a different employer or job site. This option is usually provided to ensure the correct processing of your OEC.
Click on the appropriate option or checkbox to indicate the change in your employment details.
Once you’ve indicated the change, proceed to book your OEC appointment online. Follow the instructions provided on the website to select a suitable date and time for your appointment.
Provide any additional information or documentation that may be required during the booking process.
Review the details you’ve entered and confirm your OEC appointment.
After successfully booking your appointment, make sure to take note of the date, time, and any other instructions provided.
Log out of your POPS-BaM account once you have completed the process.

Remember to follow any additional steps or guidelines specified on the POPS-BaM website to ensure a smooth and successful booking of your OEC appointment.

3. Can I get OEC in Berlin, Germany, without an appointment?

You should book an OEC appointment if applying at the POLO Berlin office.

4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

You can get OEC at the Philippine airport, especially if you have a confirmed flight or are on emergency leave.

5. How long is OEC valid?

OEC is only valid for 60 days.

6. How much is the OEC fee in Berlin, Germany?

The OEC fee in Berlin, Germany, is €9.00.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

An active OWWA membership status is necessary to apply for OEC.

Summary

OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) can obtain their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Berlin, Germany, using the POPS-BaM system. If the worker is returning to a different employer and job site, they should schedule an appointment to apply for the OEC at the POLO Berlin office. However, for Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site, they can acquire their OEC online.

Contact Details

POLO Berlin, Germany
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin (Mitte), Germany
Telephone Number: +49 (0) 30 864 9500 local 301
Mobile/Viber Number for OEC, Contract Verification, and AKAP: +49 1766 151 2953
For employment concerns: +49 176 32236928
Email: polo_germany@dole.gov.ph
Website: http://poloberlin.dole.gov.ph/, http://philippine-embassy.de/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinGermany/

Google Map Location

Please see the map location of the POLO Berlin office in Germany. It is located in the Philippine Embassy in Berlin.

How to Apply OEC Certificate in Berlin, Germany

Requirements

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

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

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Berlin, Germany