To process an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Prague, Czech Republic, Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are either returning to the Philippines for a vacation, have an expiring contract, or wish to continue or extend their job overseas, must follow the steps outlined below. Please note that this information is based on the knowledge cutoff in September 2021, and there might be updates or changes to the process. It is always advisable to verify the latest requirements and procedures from the concerned authorities.

Determine the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO): In the case of Prague, Czech Republic, OFWs can contact the Philippine Embassy in Prague to inquire about the location and contact details of the POLO office responsible for their area. They can provide information on how to reach the POLO Berlin office, which handles OEC applications.
Gather the necessary documents: OFWs should prepare the following documents before visiting the POLO Berlin office:
- Valid passport: Ensure that the passport is not expired and has at least six months of validity remaining.
- Valid work permit or residence permit: This document verifies the OFW’s legal status and employment in the host country.
- Proof of employment: Provide documents such as a contract, certificate of employment, or any other relevant proof that verifies the OFW’s job overseas.
- Proof of return or continuation of work: This may include a plane ticket showing the return date to the Philippines or an employment contract extension.
- Other supporting documents: It is advisable to carry any additional documents that may be required, such as a valid visa, medical certificate, or insurance coverage.
Schedule an appointment: Contact the POLO Berlin office to schedule an appointment for your OEC application. They will provide instructions on how to set up an appointment and the required timeframe.
Attend the appointment: On the scheduled date and time, visit the POLO Berlin office personally. Bring all the required documents and be prepared to provide any additional information or forms as requested by the office.
Pay the necessary fees: There might be processing fees associated with the OEC application. Make sure to inquire about the exact amount and acceptable modes of payment. Be prepared to pay the fees during your visit to the POLO Berlin office.
Complete the OEC application process: Follow the instructions provided by the POLO Berlin office to complete the OEC application process. This may involve filling out forms, providing biometric information, or undergoing any necessary interviews or medical examinations.
Obtain the OEC: Once the application is processed and approved, you will be issued the OEC. It serves as your Exit Travel pass and is required when leaving the Philippine airport for work purposes. Make sure to keep it in a safe place.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements and procedures set by the POLO Berlin office. It is advisable to contact the office directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the OEC application process in Prague, Czech Republic.

Qualifications

The following individuals are qualified to process the OEC.

Directly employed Filipino workers by an international employer
Individuals who are employed by a recruitment agency
OFWs employed by POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GPB)

Requirements

Each document should be submitted in two (2) copies: an original and a duplicate or photocopy.

Basic Document Requirements

Printed Online Appointment (POPS-BAM)
Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet
Sworn Statement (For OFWs who have never had a POEA record or who are applying for OEC for the first time)
Passport (valid for at least six months) from departure date
Verified Employment Contract
Certificate of Employment, Company ID, latest pay slip, or other documents as proof of employment
Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
Confirmed Airline Ticket
OEC fees

Additional Requirements

The list of requirements is subject to change; therefore it’s important to keep an eye on the POLO Prague, Czech Republic’s website and Facebook page for updates.

What Should I Do Before Applying for an OEC in DMW Czechia Office?

Determine if you qualify for an exemption: According to Philippine labor laws and regulations, foreign employers are prohibited from directly recruiting Filipino workers. However, certain exemptions exist. Find out if you meet any of the following criteria for exemption:

Employers of Professional and Skilled Workers with Verified or Authenticated Employment Contracts that Comply with POEA Standards
Foreign Diplomats
Heads of State and High-ranking Government Officials
International Organizations
Lower-ranking officials from the first three categories who have been approved by the POLO
Residents of the host nation who are permanent residents and are hiring their family members (excluding domestic workers)

Choose a POEA-accredited recruitment agency: If you do not qualify for an exemption and your employer needs to hire you through a recruitment agency, ensure that the agency is accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). This step is crucial to comply with the regulations.
Prepare the required documents: Once you have confirmed that your employer is exempt from the direct hiring restriction or have chosen an accredited recruitment agency, gather all the necessary documents. The specific documents may vary depending on your situation and the requirements set by POLO. Ensure you have all the required paperwork ready and organized for your visit.
Schedule an appointment with POLO Berlin: For OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic, it is important to note that they should schedule an appointment with the POLO office in Berlin to acquire their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The OEC is a crucial document that provides proof of employment and facilitates your departure from the Philippines and your return after your employment period.

By following these steps and making the necessary preparations, you can ensure that your visit to the POLO office in Prague, Czech Republic, is efficient and successful.

How to Get an Appointment for OEC Application in Prague, Czech Republic (POPS-BAM System)

Prior to visiting the POLO Berlin office, an OEC appointment is required.

Step 1: Visit the POEA Online Service Website by going to https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx.

Step 2: Click the “Let’s go” button on the e-Registration section.

Step 3: If you’re a new user, click on “Register” (if you already have an account, simply log in). Then, click the “I accept the terms of use” button.

Step 4: Fill in all the required information and click the register button. A message will appear, confirming that your registration was successful.

Step 5: Log in to the email address you provided during registration. Look for a message containing your temporary password.

Step 6: Go back to the link provided in Step 1 and login using your registered email address. Click “next.”

Step 7: Use the temporary password sent to your email to log in. Click “log in.”

Step 8: Set your preferred password.

Step 9: Update your profile by clicking “My Profile.” Once you’ve completed your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page.

Step 10: Enter your identification data (passport) and beneficiary information on your profile.

Step 11: On your dashboard, click “Balik-Manggagawa” and then click the “Next” button.

Step 12: Enter your return flight date and click the “Next” button.

Step 13: If you’re a returning Balik-Manggagawa (BM) and returning to the same employer, job site, and position, you can print your OEC exemption immediately. If you’re not returning to the same employer or job site, proceed to Step 9 to update your profile (change employer or new BM).

Step 14: Input all your contract details and click the “Submit” button.

Step 15: Select your host country as the processing site, and then click the “Next” button.

Step 16: Choose and select your preferred appointment date.

Step 17: Take a screenshot of your scheduled appointment date and print it for your reference.

How to Apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate in Czechia via POLO Berlin Office

Step 1: Ensure that you have received an approved appointment letter for your visit to the POLO Berlin office. Also, gather the necessary documents, including a valid ID and a full-dose vaccination card or certificate.

Step 2: On your scheduled appointment day, go to the POLO Berlin office. Present your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full-dose vaccination card/certificate to the assigned security personnel at the entrance.

Step 3: The security personnel will check your name against the list of approved appointments for the day. To expedite the process, make sure to bring all the required documents in their complete form.

Step 4: Obtain a token number from the assigned personnel. This number will help in identifying your turn in the processing queue.

Step 5: Proceed to the processing window and submit all your documents to the staff present there. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork ready.

Step 6: Pay the required OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) fees at the designated counter. The staff will inform you about the exact amount and acceptable modes of payment.

Step 7: After paying the fees, wait for further instructions from the OEC processor. They will advise you on the next steps before you can print your OEC in the POPS-BAM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration – Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar – Booking and Appointment Management) System.

Important: Before proceeding to the next step, carefully review all the information and details in your OEC to ensure accuracy and alignment with your credentials.

Step 8: Sign in to your POPS-BAM account and navigate to the “My Transaction Tab” menu. From there, select the option “Print OEC.” Follow the instructions provided to generate and print your OEC.

Note: It’s important to follow the instructions given by the POLO Berlin office staff and comply with any additional requirements or procedures they may have in place.

Important Reminders

Please avoid using non-English characters, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic, when filling out online forms. Using these characters may cause a delay in processing your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Therefore, ensure that you enter only English characters.

Note that you cannot apply for a new OEC to continue working overseas unless your current one has expired, been revoked, or has already been used for deployment.

Keep in mind that you are only allowed to obtain one OEC each time you visit the Philippines. Acquiring multiple OECs simultaneously is not permitted.

When departing, remember to bring three copies of your OEC to the airport on the day of your flight.

It is important to know that the OEC is valid for sixty (60) days starting from the date of issuance. Ensure that you have this document with you at all times before leaving the Philippines. If you depart without an OEC, you may encounter difficulties during check-in or be stopped by an immigration official.

Balik-Manggagawa Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) must also present a copy of their employment contract, along with their plane ticket and any other necessary travel documents.

Once you have all the required documents, you can proceed to the airport and present your OEC to the immigration official. Having an OEC will allow you to travel without issues and ensure compliance with all legal obligations related to your employment.

For further assistance, you can contact us at +420224216397 / +4915237657614, Monday to Friday, from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Closed on public holidays in the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Philippines).

OFW Explains Purpose of Getting Overseas Employment Certificate

Daxofw channel, an OFW YouTuber, discusses on the importance of OEC for all OFWs returning to work overseas. Understanding OEC’s purpose, functions, and advantages is important,

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding “How to Process OEC in Prague, Czech Republic”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. Who can get an OEC exemption?

The following requirements must all be met in order for a Balik-Manggagawas to be exempt from acquiring an OEC:

Has a valid work visa or work permit
Returning to the same employer and workplace
Has a record in the POEA database previously received an OEC at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mail processing centers?

2. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?

No. All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) departing from the Philippines, regardless of whether they are returning employees or new workers, are required to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

The OEC functions as an exit clearance, so if you attempt to leave the country without it, the Immigration authorities will prevent you from doing so. Moreover, this certificate exempts you from paying the terminal fee and travel tax.

3. How long is an OEC or OEC Exemption Number valid?

From the date of issuance, the OEC or OEC Exemption Number is valid for 60 days. You are required by POEA to obtain this as a Balik-Manggagawa before returning to your employer.

4. Is my OEC valid for many uses?

OEC or OEC Exemption Number is only intended for one use. Once you have given it to Immigration, it cannot be used again.

5. Why does the system want my most recent OEC number? What does it mean?

The most recent transaction record you have with POEA is your most recent OEC number. This information is required by the system in order to get your record and most recent employment information.

6. What happens if I forget my OEC number?

You will be redirected by the system to the APPOINTMENT page, where you must manually visit POEA to process your OEC.

7. What should I do if I lose my OEC?

8. Where can I settle my OEC fee?

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including:
Globe G-cash
Over-the-counter thru Banks
Over-the-counter thru Bayad Centers
Online Banking
POLO Prague, Czech Republic office

Instructions on how to complete the payment process will be sent to you through email.

9. What is the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic office hour?

The Philippine Embassy office in Prague, Czech Republic is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Closed on the Czech Republic and the Philippines public holidays).

10. What is the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic’s address?

Philippine Embassy Prague, Czech Republic’s address is Senovazne Namesti 8 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic.

11. What is the Philippine Embassy Prague, Czech Republic’s hotline number?

You can reach the Philippine Embassy Prague, Czech Republic office at +420224216397 / +420224216385.

12. What is the POLO Berlin, Germany’s office hour?

The POLO office in Berlin, Germany is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Closed on Germany and the Philippines public holidays).

13. What is POLO Berlin, Germany’s address?

POLO Berlin, Germany’s address is Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Philippine Embassy Berlin, Luisenstrabe 16, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

14. What is the POLO Berlin, Germany’s hotline number?

You can reach the POLO Berlin, Germany office at +4915237657614.

Summary

It is relatively easy to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). To do so, you simply need to understand the process involved. It is important to note that having an OEC Balik Manggagawa Appointment is a requirement for securing employment and ensuring smooth entry through immigration officials. Additionally, it entitles Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to certain benefits, such as exemption from terminal fees and travel taxes.

If you are an OFW in Prague, Czech Republic, it is recommended that you obtain an OEC before departing from the Philippines for your overseas employment.

To ensure a seamless application procedure, please follow the steps outlined below in Czechia.

Contact Information

Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czechia
Address: Senovážné nám. 992/8, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Telephone Number: +420 224 216 385
Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://praguepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic/