How to Apply OEC Certificate in Doha, Qatar
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a crucial document that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) need to secure when returning to work in Doha, Qatar, or when applying for an overseas job. The OEC serves as an exit clearance, required by immigration authorities before OFWs can leave for their overseas employment. It verifies that OFWs are legally employed overseas.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Doha, Qatar
To apply for an OEC in Doha, Qatar, OFWs can follow this guide:
- Prepare the necessary documents:
- Valid passport
- Valid work visa or residence permit
- Employment contract or proof of employment
- Proof of valid membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- Proof of valid membership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
- Proof of valid membership with the Social Security System (SSS)
- Flight details or itinerary
- Visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha, Qatar:
- Locate the POLO office in Doha, Qatar. You can inquire about the exact location and office hours through the Philippine embassy or consulate in Qatar.
- Bring all the required documents mentioned above.
- At the POLO office, submit your documents and fill out the necessary application forms for the OEC.
- Pay the required fees:
- There may be fees associated with the processing of the OEC. Inquire about the current fees at the POLO office and be prepared to pay them.
- Attend the necessary orientation or seminar:
- Some POLO offices may require OFWs to attend a pre-departure orientation seminar. This seminar provides important information and reminders for OFWs about their rights, responsibilities, and safety while working overseas.
- Receive your OEC:
- After completing the necessary requirements and paying the fees, you will receive your OEC. Make sure to keep it safe and bring it with you when returning to the Philippines or when traveling to your overseas job.
Remember, it’s essential to secure a valid OEC before leaving for overseas work or when renewing an employment contract. The process may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements and procedures in Doha, Qatar. It’s recommended to contact the Philippine embassy, consulate, or POLO office in Qatar for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process for the OEC.
“OFWs originating from the Philippines and heading back to Doha, Qatar, must ensure that they have a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with them.”
Requirements
To apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Doha, Qatar, in order to return to the Philippines and renew your employment contract, you will need to secure the following requirements:
- Three printed copies of BM/POPS-BaM Online Appointment: You need to schedule an appointment online and print three copies of the appointment confirmation.
- Two photocopies of POLO-verified Employment Contract: Make two photocopies of your employment contract, which should be verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Qatar.
- Original and two photocopies of passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of departure. Make two photocopies of the passport’s bio page.
- Two photocopies of Employer or Sponsor’s Qatar ID: Obtain two photocopies of your employer or sponsor’s Qatar ID.
- Two photocopies of Qatar ID or Visa Stamp: Make two photocopies of your Qatar ID (also known as “pataka”) or the visa stamp in your passport.
- Confirmed Airline Ticket or other documents with flight information: Provide a copy of your confirmed airline ticket or any other document that contains your flight information.
- Personal appearance: You need to appear in person to submit your application and complete the necessary processes.
It’s essential to note that requirements and procedures may vary, so it’s advisable to consult with the Philippine embassy or consulate in Doha, Qatar, or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Processing Fees
“When applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), there are certain fees that you need to pay, unless you are a Balik Manggagawa (returning worker) or going back to the same employer. Additionally, there may be other fees that apply, which are necessary to obtain an OEC.
The fees associated with the OEC application process are as follows:
- OEC fee: QAR 9 This is a processing fee that you need to pay to obtain the OEC.
- Contract Verification fee: QAR 40 This fee covers the verification of your employment contract.
- OWWA Membership fee: QAR 93 OWWA stands for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. This fee is for the membership in the OWWA, which provides various benefits and services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
- Pag-IBIG Membership fee: QAR 30 Pag-IBIG is the Home Development Mutual Fund in the Philippines. This fee is for the membership in Pag-IBIG, which offers savings, loans, and housing programs for OFWs.
If you are hired through a recruitment agency, they will typically handle the collection of these fees from your employer. It is important to always ask for a receipt from the employer when paying any fees.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. Fees and requirements may have changed since then, so it’s advisable to verify the current fees and procedures with the appropriate Philippine government agencies or consulate.”
Qualifications
The purpose of issuing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is to ensure that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are legally recruited, documented, and protected while working abroad. To be eligible for an OEC, applicants must meet certain qualification criteria. Here are the categories of qualified individuals who can apply for an OEC:
- OFWs who acquired work from an overseas employer or sponsor through direct hiring: This means that you have been directly hired by an employer or sponsor from another country.
- OFWs hired through a recruitment agency: If you were recruited by a licensed recruitment agency in the Philippines to work overseas, you are eligible to apply for an OEC.
- OFWs hired through POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP): If you were hired through the Government Placement Branch of POEA, you qualify for an OEC.
Additionally, the OEC may also be issued to the following individuals:
- First-time and renewing OWWA membership applicants: The OEC can be issued to those who are applying for or renewing their membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
- OWWA members: If you are already a member of OWWA, you can apply for an OEC.
- Household Service Workers with a POLO Verified Contract: If you are a Household Service Worker and have a contract verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), you are eligible for an OEC.
It’s important to note that if you are not registered with the POEA’s database, you may not be qualified to obtain an OEC in the POLO Doha office. It’s advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or the POEA directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding OEC requirements and procedures.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Doha
According to a Facebook post from POLO Qatar, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Qatar are required to book an appointment in order to apply for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha, Qatar utilizes two online booking systems for this purpose. These systems enable OFWs to schedule appointments conveniently and efficiently for their OEC application process. It is advisable for OFWs in Qatar to refer to the official Facebook page or website of POLO Qatar for further information on the specific booking procedures and requirements
For Contract Verification and OWWA membership applicants, the website offers a form, and for OEC appointment, you can utilize the new POPS-BaM online system.”
To apply for an OEC at the POLO Doha office, you will need to create an e-Registration account on the POPS-BaM online system and book an appointment. If you don’t have a POPS-BaM account yet, follow the steps below.
- Go to the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click on “Let’s Go.”
- Next, click on “Register.”
- Read and accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out all the required fields and click on “Register.”
- Check your registered email for a Temporary Password sent by POPS-BaM.
- Return to the POPS-BaM website.
- Log in using your registered email and the Temporary Password provided.
- Change your password for security purposes.
- Go to “My Profile” and provide the necessary details.
- Click on “Update Profile” to save your information.
- Enter your Identification Details.
- Enter the details of your beneficiaries.
- Lastly, upload your profile picture and passport to complete the account setup.
Please note that this paraphrased version maintains the essential information from the original text but may have been rephrased to enhance clarity and readability.
Booking an OEC Appointment via POPS-BaM
Once you have created an e-Registration account and completed the necessary details, you can proceed to book an OEC appointment with the POLO Doha office using the POPS-BaM online system. If you have an old BM account, you can transfer it to the POPS-BaM system. Register and search for your record to update the data in your e-Registration account. After completing this process, wait for 2-6 hours before using your newly registered POPS-BaM account.
Additionally, ensure that your OWWA membership fee is active and other contribution fees are paid during the OEC processing. To book an OEC appointment with the POLO Doha office, follow the steps below:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click on “Let’s Go” in the e-Registration section.
- Log in using your registered email address and password.
- Under “My Links,” click on “Balik Manggagawa” on the right side of the dashboard page, and then click “Next.”
- If your account lacks details, provide the required data to proceed.
- Enter your Flight Date and click “Next.”
- There are two questions that require a “Yes” or “No” answer. If you are a Balik Manggagawa (returning to the same employer), answer “Yes” to both questions. If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa, answer “No” to the questions.
- Update the information regarding your contract and click “Submit.”
- Select the Processing Site and click “Next.”
- Finally, take a screenshot or print your booking appointment schedule.
Please note that this paraphrased version retains the core instructions from the original text but may have been rephrased for clarity and coherence.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Doha
If you’re a Filipino Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) returning to Qatar to work for a new employer, it is necessary for you to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Doha office. To ensure a smooth application process, follow the steps below:
- Book an appointment ahead of your visit to the POLO Doha office. This can be done by contacting the office or through their online appointment system.
- Compile all the necessary documents required for the application process. These documents may include your employment contract, valid passport, valid work visa, and other relevant identification and employment-related papers. Make sure to gather all the required documents before your visit.
- Arrive on time at the POLO Doha office, which is located behind the Al Saad Family Court and Al Saad Police Station.
- Show the security guard your booking appointment schedule. You can present either a screenshot or a printed copy of your appointment confirmation.
- Proceed to the OEC window and present all the applicable requirements for verification. The POLO Doha staff will review your documents to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for issuing an OEC.
- Pay the exact amount of the processing fees that apply to your situation. The fees may vary depending on several factors, such as your employment type and duration.
- Once the verification process is complete, you will receive your OEC and any other issued documents. Make sure to collect them before leaving the office.
It’s important to note that POLO Doha will not issue an OEC to OFWs who arrive in Qatar with a tourist or visit visa and then convert it to a work visa. In such cases, it is necessary to apply for an OEC at the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) offices in the Philippines. This ensures that you are registered in the official database of overseas workers. The role of POLO Doha office, in this scenario, is to verify your employment contract as a requirement for applying for an OEC.
By following these steps and fulfilling the necessary requirements, you can obtain an OEC from the POLO Doha office, allowing you to work legally as an OFW in Qatar.
How to Get OEC Online in Doha
If you fall under the Balik Manggagawa or returning workers category and are currently in Doha, Qatar, you have the option to obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online. This process is more convenient as it eliminates the need for an appointment or visiting the POLO office. Additionally, you will be exempt from paying the QAR 9 OEC fee. Here are the steps to acquire your OEC online:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM website.
- In the e-Registration section, click “Let’s Go” and log in to your account.
- If your profile is incomplete, provide the missing data to proceed.
- Enter your flight date and click “Next.”
- Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer by answering “Yes” to the provided questions.
- Lastly, make sure to print your OEC 60 days before your scheduled return flight date.
It’s important to note that acquiring an OEC online is specifically for Balik Manggagawa or returning workers who are eligible for exemption. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Balik Manggagawa refers to individuals returning to their previous employer, whether in the same or a different location. Therefore, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are returning to the same job site but with a new employer cannot avail themselves of the OEC exemption.
How to acquire OEC Exemption / OEC using the new platform (POPS-BaM)?
As mentioned in the video, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has introduced a new online system known as POPS-BaM (Pre-employment Orientation Seminar-Balik Manggagawa) to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and exemption. The POPS-BaM website was officially launched on June 30, 2021.
To take advantage of the OEC exemption, OFWs need to create an account on the POPS-BaM website. Once registered, they can provide their personal information, contract details, and beneficiary information. By entering these details into their account, OFWs can conveniently access and manage their OEC-related requirements online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the OEC certificate application process in Qatar:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Doha?
You can get an OEC exemption if you’re a Balik Manggagawa or returning to work.
2. How can I get OEC online in Doha?
OEC is available online by Balik Manggagawa and acquired using the POPS-BaM online system.
3. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You need to register on the POPS-BaM website to book an OEC appointment online.
4. Is OEC still required for OFW in 2022?
Yes, OEC is still required for OFWs since it is an exit clearance to pass the immigration officers.
5. Can I get OEC in Doha without an appointment?
An appointment is a must when applying for an OEC at the POLO Doha office.
6. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get an OEC at the airports in the Philippines if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
7. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days.
8. How much is the OEC fee in Doha?
The OEC fee in Doha is QAR 9.
9. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
An active OWWA membership is required to get an OEC.
10. Do I need OEC to go back to the Philippines?
You only need an OEC if you’re leaving the Philippines for overseas employment, so you don’t need it when going home.
Summary
To sum up, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is an essential document for individuals seeking employment abroad. It serves as a requirement to acquire employment and facilitates a smooth passage through immigration officers. Additionally, the OEC grants overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Doha, Qatar, the privilege of travel tax and terminal fee exemption, which can significantly alleviate their expenses. Therefore, it is strongly advised for OFWs in Doha, Qatar, to secure an OEC when traveling from the Philippines back to their overseas work
Contact Details
MWO POLO Doha Office
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: New Office Location starting March 15, 2022 – Ground Floor, Bldg. No. 24 Jawaan St. 808 Region 39 Al Saad, Doha, Qatar (Located behind the Al Saad Family Court and Al Saad Police Station)
POLO Hotline Number: (+974) 3318-2459, 33282459
Email: polo_qatar@dole.gov.ph, polodoha@gmail.com
Website: https://polodoha.com/