BM Online OEC Exemption 2023 Guide for OFWs

BM Online OEC Exemption 2023 Guide for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are granted OEC exemption are relieved from the obligation of obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or paying any processing fees through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Instead, their documentation will undergo expedited processing at the airport prior to their departure. If you are interested in understanding the specifics of OEC exemption and the step-by-step process for OFWs, the following BM Online OEC exemption guide offers comprehensive information.

If you are an OFW who is returning to your work country with the same employer (without changing employers), you can easily process your BM Online OEC exemption application online. This is because you already have an existing record within the POEA system.

However, if you have changed employers during your time in your work country, you will need to verify your work contract and apply for an OEC. You can refer to the OEC certificate guide for further information on this process.

What Is OEC Exemption?

The information you provided outlines the requirements for obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) exemption for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). To summarize, you can qualify for OEC exemption if you meet the following criteria:

  1. You possess a valid work permit or visa.
  2. You are returning to the same job site and employer.
  3. You have existing records with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), indicating that you have obtained an OEC before from any POEA center or office (e.g., POEA main office, regional office, extension unit, BM mall processing center, or POLO office overseas).

Additionally, if you were hired through the Government Placement Branch, you are also eligible for OEC exemption as long as you meet the above-mentioned requirements.

How to Process OEC Exemption for OFWs?

Once you have registered for a DMW account and your BM records matched with your new POPS-BaM account, you can now process your exemption. In addition, if you think you meet the requirements, then you can acquire an OEC exemption. All you need to do is follow these steps when obtaining OEC exemption via POPS-BaM:

Step 1: Sign in to your DMW E-Registration account or follow this link https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx and enter your log-in details. You should only create one account because having multiple E-Registration accounts may lead you to disqualification and will be denied access to POEA online services.

Step 2: Tap on Let’s Go to continue. Then click on the My Contracts tab to make sure your old BM Online records have successfully synced with your new POPS-BaM account. Make sure to update your profile before applying for an OEC exemption. On the left side of the screen, click My Profile to update your information including your height, weight, and other details that are required.

Also, make sure to upload your valid passport and IDs in the Identification section. To avoid problems, upload your latest ID or passport during the OEC exemption application. The My Family section should also be completed to declare your beneficiaries.

Step 3: Go to the Dashboard, tap on the Balik-Manggagawa button, and click Next. In this step, you may notice your POPS-BaM screen with different content. That’s because all DMW online services are processed here. However, if you only need to process your OEC exemption, just ignore them and concentrate on the Balik-Manggagawa module.

Step 4: Type in your flight details and click Next. You will see your old records including your previous employer, position, and job site. Moreover, the system will remind you about your work visa and passport upon departure.

Step 5: If you’re a returning OFW, you need to verify if you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position.

Make sure to read and understand the message before clicking your response. If the information is the same with your valid Visa, just click Yes to proceed. If not, click No and you’ll be asked to set your appointment.

Step 6: If there are details that need to be updated, make sure to update them before clicking Submit

Step 7: Congratulations, you can now print your OEC.

If you’re trying to get your OEC exemption via BM Online, note that this is no longer available. Starting in June 2021, OFWs with no BM Online accounts are no longer allowed to register using the old BM Online website. Instead, you’ll be redirected to POPS-BaM system where you can get your exemption through the steps mentioned above.

Guidelines about OEC Exemption

  1. Print your BM (Balik-Manggagawa) exemption number or confirmation message: After obtaining an exemption, you need to print your BM exemption number or confirmation message. This document should be presented to the Immigration officers upon your departure.
  2. Present necessary documents at the Immigration counter: When checking in for your departure, make sure to present your work visa or permit and passport to the Immigration counter for verification purposes.
  3. Update your profile photo: It is essential to update your profile photo because your appearance may have changed since you last uploaded your picture. The Bureau of Immigration uses your profile photo for final departure and identification purposes. Ensure that your recent photo meets the required specifications, such as being 1 MB in file size.
  4. Log in to the POPS-BaM website: Every time you return to the Philippines, you must log in to your POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Pre-employment Orientation Seminar – Balik-Manggagawa) account to acquire an OEC exemption. If you have already been issued an OEC and have a registered account, simply log in to your existing account.
  5. Maintain regular logins for OEC exemption: Failure to log in to the POPS-BaM system each time you return to the country may result in being unable to obtain an OEC exemption. The system uses your login history to determine whether you qualify for an exemption. Therefore, it is important to regularly log in and update your information to continue your OEC exemption. Once you qualify for exemption, the Bureau of Immigration receives the data and clears your name for departure.
  6. Timing your exemption: You can obtain your exemption within 60 days prior to your scheduled departure. It is crucial to consider the date of your flight before obtaining an exemption, as it may expire even before you return to your job site. Plan accordingly to ensure the validity of your exemption.
  7. OEC exemption for extended vacations: If you are in the Philippines for a three-month vacation, you don’t need to obtain an OEC exemption immediately. You can wait for up to two months before obtaining your OEC. Acquiring an exemption too early could lead to expiration before your scheduled departure, potentially causing complications for your flight.

What To Do If You Can’t Open Your POPS-BaM Account?

To retrieve your account on POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar – Balik-Manggagawa), if you have forgotten your email address or password, you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Contact the System Administrator: The POEA advises account holders who can’t remember their passwords or email addresses to reach out to the System Administrator. You can contact them through the following means:
    • Phone: Try calling the POEA’s designated helpline or support number for assistance with POPS-BaM account recovery.
    • Email: Send an email to the designated email address provided by the POEA for POPS-BaM support. Explain your situation and provide any necessary details they may require to verify your identity.
  2. Provide necessary information: When contacting the System Administrator, be prepared to provide relevant information to assist them in verifying your identity. This may include personal details such as your full name, date of birth, passport number, and any other information associated with your POPS-BaM account.
  3. Follow instructions: Once you have contacted the System Administrator and provided the necessary information, they will guide you through the account recovery process. They may ask for additional details or provide specific instructions to help you regain access to your account.

Telephone Numbers: 09173257397, 02-7210785, 02-7277778, or 02-7219496

Email Addresses: ebmrd@poea.gov.ph, connect@poea.gov.ph, bm_oec@yahoo.com, or gvpictpoea@gmail.com

If you have other concerns, you can also reach out to POEA’s Helpdesk. For more information, follow these steps:

1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal. Scroll down until you see the POEA Helpdesk.

2. Go to Create Ticket and tap on the Continue button to go to the next page.

3. Click the Select Service button, tap Online Services – ERegistration, and choose Select Concern. From there, click Account Problem – Forget EReg Details, and then tap the Next button.

  1. Open the website or application where you need to find your account.
  2. Navigate to the next page after logging in.
  3. Look for the options provided to help you locate your account.
    • If you remember your ERegistration number, choose the first option.
    • If you can’t recall your email and ERegistration number, select the third option.
  4. If you choose the first option:
    • Enter your ERegistration number in the designated field.
    • Continue to the next step.
  5. If you choose the third option:
    • Provide your birthdate and complete name as requested.
    • Move on to the next step.
  6. After entering your details correctly, locate and click on the “Find Ticket” button.
  7. A new section will appear, prompting you to type in your concern and provide a contact number.
  8. Describe your concern in detail in the designated text box.
  9. Enter your contact number accurately.
  10. Once you have filled in the required information, locate and click on the “Submit Ticket” button.
  11. By submitting the ticket, you are requesting assistance from the POEA support team.
  12. The POEA support team will review your ticket and contact you using the provided contact number.
  13. They will provide you with the next steps or further instructions regarding your concern.

Why the System Is Re-directing You to the Appointment Page?

If you’re encountering issues with your OEC exemption application and the system keeps redirecting you to the appointment page, it suggests that you may not be exempted from obtaining an OEC. The OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) is a document issued to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that serves as proof of their employment status and ensures their protection while working abroad.

If you are returning to the same job site and employer with a previously issued OEC but the system still prompts you to schedule an appointment, it likely indicates that you need to go through the regular OEC application process. This means you would need to secure an OEC to comply with the requirements for your employment abroad.

To resolve this issue and proceed with your application, you should follow the steps outlined by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the appropriate government agency responsible for processing OEC applications. You may need to schedule an appointment, provide the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.

It’s always recommended to reach out to the appropriate authorities or contact the POEA directly to get accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation. They can guide you through the process and address any concerns you may have regarding your OEC application.

Here are the reasons why you are not exempted to obtain an OEC even if you’re returning to the same employer and job site:

  • Undocumented worker.
  • Doesn’t have records with the POEA.
  • BM worker returning to a different job site o employer.
  • Identified as a watchlisted worker.
  • • Returning to non-compliant or restricted country.
  • • Sea-based Filipino worker who become land-based worker.

If you qualify for any of the above-mentioned, you need to set an appointment because you are not exempted to get an OEC. OEC Exemption Guide Process

OEC Exemption Guide Process

OEC Exemption process for OFWs as shared by a Filipina OFW.

Summary

To apply for an OEC exemption:

  1. Log in to your POPS-BaM (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar-Booking and Monitoring) account.
  2. Look for the OEC Exemption button and click on it.
  3. Fill out the application form with the required details.

If you encounter any issues during the application process or if you have forgotten your account details, you can contact the System Administrator. They can provide assistance through their telephone numbers or email addresses. Additionally, you can reach out to the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) Helpdesk for further information and support regarding account retrieval or any other concerns you may have.BM Online OEC Exemption 2023 Guide for OFWs

It’s important to note that even if you have previously been issued an OEC and are returning to the same job site and employer, you still need to apply for an exemption. Certain instances exist where you may not be exempted from obtaining an OEC.

Remember to complete the missing sentence in your original text and ensure you have provided all the necessary information for a successful application. Good luck with your OEC exemption process!

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