What is the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

The OEC is an exit clearance for migrant domestic helpers leaving the Philippines to work abroad. This document is issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The OEC is proof that the Philippines government allows the helper to work overseas. For that reason, domestic helpers cannot leave the Philippines legally without the OEC. 

Domestic helpers are required to get their OEC document in two different instances:

• When exiting the Philippines to begin a new employment in Hong Kong
• When returning to Hong Kong after a holiday in the Philippines

Who is responsible for processing the OEC?

If the helper is processing their new contract from the Philippines, the employment agency taking care of the visa processing is expected to process the OEC on behalf of the helper. 

If the helper is travelling back to the Philippines for vacation, the helper will need to obtain the OEC on their own in order to be able to exit the Philippines and return to Hong Kong at the end of their holiday.

What is the validity of the OEC?

The OEC is valid for 60 days from the day it is issued. It is only valid for a single use upon exit from the Philippines, which means that domestic helpers  need to apply for a new OEC everytime they exit from the Philippines and return for employment to Hong Kong. 

Please note that helpers can no longer revalidate their OEC at the airport if their OEC has expired. Helpers must leave the Philippines before their OEC expires. If the OEC has expired already, the helper will need to apply for a new certificate.

How can a domestic helper apply for the OEC? 

For domestic helpers who have not yet registered on the new Domestic Worker Department (DMW) online system. 

In order to apply for the OEC, domestic helpers need to register first by following these steps:

1. Go to the Department of Migrant Workers Online Service Portal 
2. Click ‘Let’s Go’ under e-Registration 
3. Click ‘Register’
4. Fill out the required form 
5. Log-in with the temporary password sent to your registered email
6. Enter and confirm your new password
7. Log in
8. Go to “My Profile” and fill out your information

** Helpers are recommended to write down the login information so that they can remember it in the future. This information will be needed for every OEC application.

For domestic helpers who are returning to the same employer in Hong Kong

Domestic helpers who are returning to the same employer can apply for the ‘OEC Exemption’. Applications can be made either online, or in person by visiting the office of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines, or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong. 

Here is a step by step guide on how to apply for this online:

1. Log in to Department of Migrant Workers Online Service Portal
2. Click ‘Balik Manggagawa‘ under My Links and click ‘Next’
3. Enter flight schedule and click ‘Next’
4. Answer yes to both questions
5. Print OEC

For domestic helpers who have changed employers in Hong Kong

Domestic helpers who have changed employers need to apply for a new OEC. Helpers can apply by making an appointment online before visiting the office of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines, or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong.

Here is a step by step guide on how to apply to do this:

1. Log in to the Department of Migrant Workers Online Service Portal
2. Click ‘Balik Manggagawa‘ under My Links and click ‘Next’
3. Enter flight schedule and click ‘Next’
4. Enter new contract details
5. Book an appointment by selecting your preferred Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office in the Philippines or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong
6. Attend the appointment with required documents
   • Appointment Sheet (2 copies)
   • Notarised Employment Contract (original)
   • Work Visa (original and 2 copies)
   • Philippine Passport (original and 2 copies)
   • OWWA membership fee receipt
   • Employer HKID number
7. Pay the processing fees at authorised payment channels
   • If you are processing the OEC in Hong Kong, the processing fee is HKD$20.
   • If you are processing the OEC at a DMW office in the Philippines, the processing fee is 100 PHP.
8. Print OEC

What to do if you have a problem with your e-Registration account or an issue with your OEC?

1. Visit the Department of Migrant Workers – Online Services website
2. Click onto “DMW Helpdesk”.
3. Choose “Create Ticket” and select the right service and concern
4. Choose from the “Select Processing site near you” which DMW office you want to take action on your Helpdesk Ticket
5. Remember the Ticket Number that is provided to you by the system as this will be used to trace and follow-up your concern
6. Follow-up on your ticket by inputting your Ticket Number here

For other inquiries or immediate assistance related to the OEC, contact the relevant office:

• For concerns about e-Registration, contact the Manpower Registry Division at (02) 8722-11-72 or (02) 8722/11-81 or email at ebmrd@dmw.gov.ph
• For concerns about the OEC, contact the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division at (02) 8721-07-85 or email bmpd@dmw.gov.ph

Additional OEC tips for domestic helpers

Beginning in 2022, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) requires all domestic helpers to have a PAG-IBIG Member ID number. The OEC will not be processed if the domestic worker does not have the PAG-IBIG Member ID number. Read more about how helpers can register online and pay for the PAG-IBIG membership here.

Helpers who are in Hong Kong and need to apply for an OEC are recommended to book an appointment with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong before their departure to the Philippines in order to avoid spending valuable home leave time taking care of admin tasks.

Further Information 

• https://owwamember.com/apply-oec-hong-kong/
• https://mwohk-ph.com/oec/