How to Get OEC: POLO Taiwan Online Appointment

Overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan with valid employment visas must secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or an OEC exemption before traveling to the Philippines for vacation or emergency leave. Or, if you are planning to return to your employer after weeks of vacation, an OEC can help you get past the immigration assessment at the airport.

Note: For Filipinos in Taiwan, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Labor offices are the PH government offices that handle Philippine government transactions. So this is where you should go in order to process the OEC and other PH services. There are 3 MECO office branches in Taiwan which are located in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung.

Also Read:
– How to Book OWWA Appointment in Taipei, Taiwan
– How to Book OWWA Appointment in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
– How to Book OWWA Appointment in Taichung City, Taiwan

We understand that not a lot of OFWs know and understand the process of getting OEC, especially the new ones. In this post, we simplified the process for you. Continue reading this article to know more about how to get your OEC and how you can avail of any exemption.

What is an OEC (Balik Manggagawa) Certificate in Taiwan?

This certificate is one of the requirements when a Filipino plans to work in another country. The Overseas Employment Certificate, or OEC, is as important as other documents, such as passports.

According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) regulation, every Filipino worker working abroad must have this employment certificate to serve as proof that they are a legal worker in the country where they are in.

OFWs who are on vacation or will be on vacation in the Philippines for a short period of time and returning to their work abroad are granted an OEC. This document is essential since it needs to be presented at the airport in the presence of a Bureau of Immigration officer. Before a Filipino can depart from the Philippines, the OEC is needed. With OEC, you don’t have to pay travel taxes and airport terminal fees, which can help you save costs.

Take note that every OEC is only valid for 60 days. You have to use the certificate before it expires.

OEC Requirements in MECO Labor Office Taiwan

Let’s look at the requirements when obtaining OEC in Taiwan.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has issued specific guidelines on processing exit clearance for returning workers in response to POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 4, Series of 2018 addressing Section 22 of the Revised POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based OFWs of 2016.

OFW with a POEA record who are taking their first vacation and intend to return to the same employer and job site to extend or continue an existing employment contract must provide the following documents to their appointment:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of travel
• Valid and acceptable visa and/or work permit
• Employment contracts that have been verified/authenticated by the POLO
• As well as any documentation of previous employment indicating the worker is returning to the same firm, such as a recent certificate of employment, a valid business ID, etc.

Workers with an existing record on POEA who return to the same employer but in a different country must provide the following:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of travel
• Employment Contracts authenticated/verified by the POLO
• As well as any documentation of previous employment indicating the worker is returning to the same firm, such as a recent certificate of employment, a valid business ID, etc.
• A letter from the employer stating that the worker will be transferred to another location

Workers who do not have a record with the POEA or who changed employers on-site must provide the following documents:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of travel
• Employment Contracts authenticated/verified by the POLO
• As well as any documentation of previous employment indicating the worker is returning to the same firm, such as a recent certificate of employment, a valid business ID, etc.
• A Sworn Statement from the employee describing how he or she came to work for the current employer

You must use the POPS-BaM to apply for OEC exemption if you are returning to the same company and worksite and already registered with the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM).

Cost of OEC in Taiwan

The fee for OEC processing is PHP 100.00 or equivalent to New Taiwan Dollar.

How to Schedule OEC online appointment in MECO Taiwan?

Like other POLOs abroad, the first step to getting an OEC is setting an appointment online. The BM Online Processing System has phased out in favor of the new POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM), which was launched last June 30, 2021, as part of the Administration’s commitment to expediting the issuance of OECs to OFWs. By following these steps, you can simplify your online application.

Here’s how you can register if you are a new user:

1. Go to your browser and type https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx in the URL
2. Click on Let’sLet’s Go
3. Click on “Register” for new users ( just log in if you already have an account )
4. Then click “I accept the terms of use.”
5. Fill out the required information and then click register. (a message will display indicating that your registration was “Successful” “)
6. Log in to the email address you provided when you registered (there is a message containing your “temporary password” “)
7. Return to the link provided in Step 1 and login using the registered email address, then click “next.”
8. Use the temporary password sent to your email, then click “log in.”
9. Set the password you want
10. Update your profile by clicking “My Profile,” after completing your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page
11. Add your Identification and Beneficiary
12. Attach profile picture and passport

If you have an account already, simply sign in using your email address and password to schedule an appointment online. Follow the below procedures:

1. Log in to your POPS-BaM account (onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx)
2. Click “Balik-Manggagawa,” located at your top right-hand side.
3. Input your next flight date, then click “next.”
4. You will be asked if you are returning BM to the same employer (if yes, you can print your OEC, if no, proceed to step 5)
5. Accomplish your contact details with true and correct information to the best of your knowledge.
6. After clicking “Submit,” you can select the POLO location near you.
7. Then choose an available Appointment Schedule.
8. You now have an Appointment with POLO. You can print or cancel your appointment.

How to Apply for OEC at POLO Taiwan?

Following successful registration and appointment, these steps can be taken to apply for OEC:

1. Visit the POLO on the date and time specified in your scheduled appointment. Then present the guard/receiving personnel with your documents.
2. Go to the receptionist and provide all of the listed requirements. The officer will provide you with forms to complete and tell you what to do next.
3. Obtain a queue number and wait to be called.
4. Submit the required fee and await approval of your OEC.

How to Apply for OEC exemption in Taiwan

OEC exemptions are available to BM workers who return to the same employer and workplace and who have an existing record in the POEA database. In addition, those BM employees hired through the Government Placement Branch (GPB) are included.

The OEC Exemption requires that BM workers use the existing online processing system prior to flight returning to the same job abroad. The worker’s personal information and employment details must be entered into the system in order to determine whether he or she is exempt from obtaining an OEC. The worker’s personal information will be stored in the POEA database and electronically transmitted to the Bureau of Immigration to assist the Immigration Officer in reviewing the BM worker’s exemption during his/her travel. This will benefit the worker by skipping paying the processing cost.

After showing the following documentation to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the BM worker is exempt from paying the Travel Tax and Airport Terminal Fee. The following documents are:

• Valid Work Visa/Work Permit
• Valid Employment Contract
• Valid Company Identification/Valid Recent Paystub or Other Employment Documents

Balik-Manggagawa workers who are not qualified for OEC exemption will be referred to the POPS-BaM website to register and schedule an appointment with the appropriate POEA office.

Those who go to their departure without registration or who are registered incorrectly will be referred to the Labour Assistance Counter (LAC) for clarification and document examination.

Video: OEC Taiwan Registration and Tutorial

Here’s a helpful video about getting your OEC in Taiwan, Please check out this OEC registration and tutorial guide below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding the MECO Taiwan office for OEC Balik Manggagawa application:

1. How to avail OEC Exemption?

LOG IN to the POPS-BaM using the direct link: onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx or by visiting the POEA’s official website poea.gov.ph and clicking BM Online.

New users: Log in using your own email address and click the “Sign Me Up” button. Access your email account and open the confirmation link that has been sent to you. Once registered, log in using the “Already Registered” user name and password. Input your most recent OEC number. If your record cannot be located, you may schedule an Online Appointment. If your record is located, make any updates to your Personal Data, Contract Particulars, and Beneficiaries. To access the online assessment, click “Acquire OEC or Exemption.” Enter your “Flight Date” and verify that you will be returning to the same job and worksite.

USERS: Login, update, and save your user profile (Personal Data, Contract Specifications, and Beneficiaries), then click “Acquire OEC or Exemption” for an online assessment. Enter your “Flight Date” and verify that you will be returning to the same job and worksite.

If you return to the same employer and worksite, the system will show a confirmation message stating that you are not required to secure the OEC or pay the processing cost.

2. What information is contained in the confirmation message?

The confirmation message indicates that the worker already has a record of the same job and workplace in the POEA database, thereby exempting him/her from obtaining OEC. Additionally, it contains reminders and instructions on what to do upon a worker’s departure. ​

3. What happens if I do not receive a system-generated pop-up confirmation message? ​

The POPS-BaM will automatically send you to the appointment page if you do not receive a confirmation message. This indicates that the system did not detect a match between your data and your return to the same employer and job site. As a result, you must schedule an appointment for OEC issuance at your desired POEA Office/Center on your preferred date and time. ​If this happens, this means that you are not exempted.

Summary

Getting your OEC is simple and easy if you know the whole process. The information above can you get your certificate without a hassle. All OFWs who are required to get an OEC should follow the guidelines.

If you do not secure your OEC Balik Manggagawa, you cannot leave the Philippines and go back to your employer in Taiwan. For more information about the OEC and related legal documents, you may visit POLO Taiwan’s official website.

Contact Information

MECO – POLO Taipei, Taiwan
Address: 2F., No.55-57, Zhouzi St., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan (ROC)
Contact Number: 02 2658-8299/0925 228878/0900218895
Email: evelyn_owwataipei@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.meco-labor.org.tw/, https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/MECO.official

MECO – POLO Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Address: Manila Economic & Cultural Office, 9F-2, Grand 50 Tower No. 80, Min Tzu 1st Road Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Contact Numbers:
– Consular/Legal: 07 3985-935
– OWWA: 07 3982-475
– Labor Center: 07 3987-078
Fax Number: (886) 7-3985929
Email: owwa_polokhh@yahoo.com

MECO – POLO Taichung City, Taiwan
Address: Manila Economic & Cultural Office, 239 Min Chuan Road corner Taichung Gang Road, Taichung City, Taiwan
Contact Number: Taichung office: 04 2322-8835, OWWA: 04 2322-8836 ext. 252, Labor Center: 04 2322-8836 ext. 231
Fax: (8864) 2302 9091 / (8864) 2302 9095
Email: owwa_taichung@yahoo.com

Contact Information

MECO Taipei, Taiwan
Address: 2F., No.55-57, Zhouzi St., Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan (ROC)
Contact Number: 02 2658-8299/0925 228878/0900218895
Email: evelyn_owwataipei@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.meco-labor.org.tw/, https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/MECO.official

Google Map Location

MECO-Taipei
The POLO-OWWA office in Taipei is managed by MECO-Taipei. Please see the map guide to the location of this site in Taiwan:

MECO-Kaohsiung

The POLO-OWWA office in Kaohsiung City is managed by MECO as an extension office.  Please see the map guide to the location of this office in Kaohsiung:

MECO-Taipei
The POLO-OWWA office in Taichung City is managed by MECO as an extension office.  Please see the map guide to the location of this office in Taichung:

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