How to Apply OEC Certificate in Bahrain
If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Bahrain, it is important to have a valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) every time you go on vacation to the Philippines and return to work overseas. The OEC is a necessary document to secure overseas employment and verify the legitimacy of your recruitment. How to Apply OEC Certificate in BahrainIf you are wondering about the process of applying for an OEC in Bahrain, continue reading.
The OEC is issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) offices to legal and documented OFWs. It serves as an exit clearance required for OFWs and is checked by immigration officers in the Philippines before allowing their departure for overseas work. Therefore, OFWs should apply for an OEC if they are planning to visit the Philippines for vacation and then return to Bahrain for work.
In our comprehensive guide on ‘How to Apply OEC Certificate in Bahrain,’ we also provide valuable insights for our Pakistani members. For those in Pakistan seeking OWWA appointment scheduling, check out our dedicated post on ‘Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Pakistan‘ for a seamless process tailored to your location
Requirements
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are on vacation in the Philippines and are planning to return to work in Bahrain or are applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for the first time, you need to fulfill the following requirements as stated by the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Bahrain:
OFWs vacationing to the Philippines and returning to Bahrain with the same employer:
- Photocopy of last issued OEC
- POLO Verified Employment Contract
- Proof of existing employment such as Certificate of Employment, Company ID, or latest payslip
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket
OFWs that came to Bahrain with a tourist or visit visa, exited the Philippines going to another country, changed job site, or transferred locally:
It seems to be related to a company or employer, potentially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The requirements mentioned are to be prepared in two sets for all applicants. Here is a breakdown of the listed items:
- Two original copies of valid Employment Contract (EC) with sponsor’s signature and Company logo stamp on each page: This refers to two original copies of the employment contract, which should be signed by the sponsor or employer and should have the company logo stamp on every page.
- Printed Contingency Plan with company letterhead, company stamp, and employer’s signature or authorized signatory: The contingency plan should be printed on company letterhead and include the company stamp. It should also be signed by the employer or an authorized signatory.
- Printed Certificate of Employment (COE) with company letterhead, company stamp, and employer’s signature or authorized signatory: The certificate of employment should be printed on company letterhead, stamped with the company stamp, and signed by the employer or an authorized signatory.
- Photocopy of Commercial Registration (CR): A photocopy of the commercial registration document is required. This document confirms the legal registration of the company.
- Photocopy of Employer or Company’s Authorized Signatory CPR in the COE and EC: A photocopy of the employer or company’s authorized signatory’s CPR (Civilian Personal Record) should be provided. This serves as identification for the authorized signatory mentioned in the certificate of employment and employment contract.
- Photocopy of Employee’s CPR: A photocopy of the employee’s CPR (Civilian Personal Record) is required. This is the employee’s identification document.
- Photocopy of Valid Visa or Residence Permit (RP): A photocopy of the valid visa or residence permit should be included. This confirms the legal status of the employee.
- Original and two photocopies of Passport valid for at least six months before the date of departure: The original passport and two photocopies are required. The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of departure.
- Photocopy of Confirmed 2-way Airline Ticket: A photocopy of the confirmed round-trip airline ticket should be provided. This confirms the employee’s travel plans.
- Letter from the employer verifying the worker’s transfer of job site (for OFWs returning to the same employer but in a different job site): If the OFW is returning to the same employer but at a different job site, a letter from the employer verifying the transfer should be included.
- Sworn Statement explaining the employment process: A sworn statement explaining the employment process should be prepared. This document provides information about the hiring and employment procedure.
- Affidavit of Undertaking for Drivers: An affidavit of undertaking specifically for drivers should be provided. This document may include specific commitments or responsibilities related to the driver’s role.
Remember to prepare two sets of all the listed requirements for each applicant. It’s important to carefully review the specific application guidelines or instructions provided to ensure accurate and complete submission of the required documents.
Processing Fees
“If the submitted documents are valid and complete, you will need to pay the following fees to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC):
- OEC fee: BD 1
- Contract Verification fee: BD 4
- OWWA Membership fee: BD 9.5
Please ensure that your OWWA membership is renewed in order to obtain the OEC. Additionally, please note that the verification of employment contracts is subject to compliance with POLO Bahrain’s minimum labor standards.”
Qualifications
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as a verification document to ensure that workers leaving the Philippines have legal employment and have gone through the proper documentation procedures. Additionally, the OEC also enables Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to receive various benefits from the Philippine government.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) are responsible for issuing the OEC, but they only provide it to specific individuals. These individuals include:
- OFWs who acquired work from an overseas employer or sponsor via direct hiring: This refers to OFWs who secured their employment directly from a foreign employer or sponsor without the assistance of a recruitment agency.
- OFWs hired via a recruitment agency: This category includes OFWs who obtained their employment through a licensed recruitment agency in the Philippines. The agency facilitates the process of job placement and deployment.
- OFWs hired via POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP): The GBP is a division of the POEA that assists in the placement of OFWs for government-to-government deployment programs. OFWs hired through this branch are eligible for an OEC.
- OFWs returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa: If an OFW temporarily returns to the Philippines for vacation and holds an existing employment contract or working visa, they are eligible to obtain an OEC before returning to their job site.
- OFWs returning to the same employer but in a different location in Bahrain: If an OFW has an existing employment contract with a specific employer but is being transferred to a different location within Bahrain, they are required to secure an OEC.
- All Filipinos who came to Bahrain and later obtained employment and work visas: This category includes Filipino citizens who initially traveled to Bahrain without employment or work visas but subsequently secured employment and the necessary work permits.
These guidelines outline the individuals who are eligible to obtain an OEC from POEA and POLO, based on the specific circumstances mentioned. It’s important for OFWs to comply with the necessary procedures to ensure legal employment and access the benefits provided by the Philippine government.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Bahrain
To create a POPS-BaM e-Registration account, follow these steps:
- Visit the official POPS-BaM website. You can search for it using any popular search engine.
- Look for the registration or sign-up option on the website. It is usually located on the homepage or in the top menu bar. Click on it to start the registration process.
- Provide the required personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, contact details, and email address. Make sure to enter accurate and up-to-date information.
- Create a unique username and password for your POPS-BaM account. It is important to choose a strong password to ensure the security of your account.
- Complete the verification process. This may involve confirming your email address or providing additional information to verify your identity. Follow the instructions provided on the website to complete the verification successfully.
- Once your account is created and verified, you can log in to your POPS-BaM account using your username and password.
- Explore the account dashboard and familiarize yourself with the features and options available. Look for the option to book an appointment for an OEC with POLO Bahrain.
- Follow the instructions provided on the website to schedule an appointment for your OEC application. Make sure to select a suitable date and time for your appointment.
- Prepare the necessary documents required for your OEC application, such as your valid passport, work contract, proof of employment, and any other supporting documents. Ensure that your OWWA membership is active.
- On the scheduled appointment day, visit the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Bahrain, or the designated POLO Bahrain office, depending on the instructions provided during the appointment booking process.
- Submit your documents and complete the necessary procedures for obtaining your OEC. Follow any additional instructions or requirements given by the embassy or POLO Bahrain.
By following these steps, you should be able to create a POPS-BaM e-Registration account and book an appointment for your OEC application with POLO Bahrain. Remember to double-check the requirements and guidelines provided by the Embassy of the Philippines in Manama, Bahrain, to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
However, I can provide you with a general overview of the steps you mentioned:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click on “Let’s Go” and select the option to register under the e-Registration section.
- Read and accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the necessary information in the registration form and click on the “Register” button.
- Check your registered email for a Temporary Password sent by POPS-BaM.
- Return to the POPS-BaM website and log in using your registered email address.
- Enter the Temporary Password provided in the email and change it to your preferred password.
- Access your dashboard and click on “My Profile” to provide the required details.
- Double-check the information in your account profile and click on “Update Profile” to save the changes.
- Fill out the Identification Details section with the required information.
- Enter the details of your beneficiary.
- Upload a profile picture and a clear photo of your passport to complete the setup of your profile.
Please note that the specific steps and options may vary depending on the website or online service you are accessing. It’s always a good idea to carefully follow the instructions provided on the respective website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
After creating and completing your POPS-BaM account profile, follow these steps to book an OEC appointment:
- Visit the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Click “Let’s Go” on the e-Registration section.
- On the dashboard page, look for “My Links” on the right side and click on “Balik Manggagawa.” Then, click “Next.”
- Make sure that your account has complete data. If there is missing information, provide the necessary details to proceed.
- Input your Flight Date and click “Next.”
- If you’re not a Balik Manggagawa or returning to the same employer and job site, answer “NO” to the questions in order to proceed with the booking.
- Update or make any necessary changes to the details of your contract and click “Submit.”
- Select a Processing Site for the appointment and click “Next.”
- Finally, take a screenshot or print your confirmed booking appointment schedule.
Remember to wait for 2-6 hours after creating the account and transferring your old BM records before making any transaction. This will ensure that your information is updated and synced correctly.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Bahrain
It seems like you’re providing a set of instructions for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to Bahrain and needing to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The instructions mention different procedures depending on whether the OFWs arrived in Bahrain with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa or exited the Philippines to another country.
If an OFW originally arrived in Bahrain with a tourist or visit visa and converted to a work visa or exited the Philippines to another country, they cannot obtain an OEC from the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Bahrain office. Instead, they need to personally apply for an OEC at the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) offices in the Philippines for proper documentation.
To apply for an OEC in POLO Bahrain, the following steps are outlined:
- Visit the POLO Bahrain office and present your confirmed appointment schedule, if applicable.
- Approach the receptionist and provide the required documents.
- Fill out the forms provided by the reception officer.
- Wait for the Labor Attache to verify your documents.
- Once the verification is complete, OFWs may register for a POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment System – Bahrain Monitoring System) account on-site.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC.
It’s important to note that the provided information is based on the details you shared, but it’s always advisable to consult official sources such as the POEA or POLO Bahrain for the most accurate and up-to-date procedures.
How to Get OEC Online in Bahrain
The process of getting an OEC online in Bahrain is typically only applicable to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are considered Balik Manggagawa or those who are returning to the same employer to continue or extend their employment contract. These individuals may also be eligible for OEC exemption, meaning they don’t need to submit certain documents for verification or pay the OEC fee.
However, if you are an OFW returning to Bahrain with a different employer or planning to change employers while in Bahrain, you may not qualify for the OEC exemption or the option to get the OEC online. In such cases, you would need to follow these steps:
- Visit the new POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Go to the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go” to log in.
- If your profile lacks any necessary data, provide the missing information 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 relevant questions.
- Print your OEC online. It’s important to note that you should request the OEC no more than 60 days before your confirmed return flight date.
These steps may help you in obtaining the necessary documentation for your return to Bahrain with a different employer or after changing employers while in Bahrain. However, it’s crucial to check the official POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) or related government websites for the most accurate and updated information regarding the OEC application process.
New URL nang bagong OEC Platform
“The previous link of the POPS-BaM system is currently not working. This is because the platform has a new URL. However, please note that the system in the latest URL remains the same. Therefore, you can still follow the guide provided above to register a POPS-BaM account.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions and answers about the OEC certificate application process in Bahrain:
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Bahrain?
You can get an OEC exemption in Bahrain if you’re a Balik Manggagawa and register on the POPS-BaM system.
2. How can I get OEC online in Bahrain?
You can only get OEC online if you’re a Balik Manggagawa. If yes, follow the steps above to get your OEC online.
3. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
You can book an OEC appointment online via the POPS-BaM system.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get an OEC in the Philippine airport if on emergency leave or with a confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC is only valid for 60 days upon issuance.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Bahrain?
The OEC fee in Bahrain is BD 1.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, you need an active OWWA membership before applying for an OEC.
Summary
In summary, OFWs have a straightforward process for applying for OEC as long as they have the necessary documents.How to Apply OEC Certificate in Bahrain Additionally, OFWs classified as Balik Manggagawa are advised to obtain their OEC online, as it is more convenient and helps avoid overcrowding at the embassy.
For OFWs who are on vacation in the Philippines for less than 60 days, they should apply for their OEC at the POLO Bahrain office. If their vacation exceeds 60 days, they should obtain their OEC in the Philippines before returning to Bahrain.
Contact Details
MWO POLO Office Bahrain
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: Villa No. 939, Road 3220, Block 332, Mahooz, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Hotline (24/7 Duty Officer): 38072476
Telephone: +973 17740951
Email: polobahrain@yahoo.com
Website: https://manamape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHLinBahrain/
Google Map Location
Below is a map guide to the location of the POLO-OWWA office in Manama, Bahrain for the OEC certificate:
