How to Apply OEC: Vietnam Online Appointment

OFWs who are in Vietnam should be familiar with Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This legal document is needed when traveling back to the country where the OFW is working after a period of vacation in the Philippines. Without the OEC, you will not be permitted to depart the Philippines and fly back to Vietnam for work. OFWs in the country are encouraged to acquire and process their OEC.

There is no POLO office in Vietnam, however, the closest POLO office to Vietnam is POLO Macau.

On another note, the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam organizes a consular mission, so be sure to check their Facebook page and website to find out when and where it takes place.

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 Requirement

• OWWA membership payment receipt

The list of requirements is subject to change, therefore it’s important to keep an eye on POLO Macau and Philippine Embassy in Vietnam’s website and Facebook page for updates.

Note: There is currently no designated POLO office in Vietnam; however, the nearest POLO office is in Macau SAR; therefore, if you plan to visit Macau, make sure to select MACAU as the host country for your OEC appointment in the POPS-BAM system.

Since not all OFWs can travel to Macau, it is best to contact the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam directly to see if there is a consular mission for OEC in Vietnam. The Consular Mission is a program administered by the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam that provides consular services to OFWs living in remote areas, particularly those in Ho Chi Minh City. Check the official Facebook Page and website of the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam for specific dates and locations of the Mobile Consular Outreach Mission, as they announce the schedule one month before the actual date. You can also get more information from the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

On the other hand, you can process your OEC at the nearest POEA office before leaving the Philippines, just make sure you have all the necessary documents.

What Should I do Before Applying for an OEC in Vietnam?

You must prepare yourself before going to POLO/POEA Office; otherwise, you will only waste your time. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Philippine labor laws and regulations prohibit foreign employers from directly recruiting Filipino workers, so you should determine if you qualify for an exemption from the restriction on direct employment.

The employer must hire you through a POEA-accredited recruitment agency. However, some firms are exempt from the restriction on the direct hiring of OFWs. These include:

• 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 items who are approved by the POLO
• Residents of the host nation who are permanent residents and who hire their family members, excluding domestic workers

2. Prepare all the required documents. As soon as you have confirmed that your employer is exempt from the direct hiring restriction, get everything ready right away.

How to Schedule OEC Online Appointment in Vietnam

Follow these instructions to quickly make an appointment. Keep in mind that having an online appointment simplifies things because government workers can immediately verify your information.

Step 1: Visit the POEA Online Service Website (Link: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx)

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

Step 3: Click on “Register” for new users (just log in if you already have an account) and click the “I accept the terms of use” button.

Step 4: Fill in the required information and then click register (a message will display indicating that your registration was “Successful”)

Step 5: Log in to the email address you provided when you registered (there is a message containing your “temporary password”)

Step 6: Return to the link provided in Step 1 and log in using the registered email address, then click “next.”

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

Step 8: Set your preferred password.

Step 9: Update your profile by clicking “My Profile,” after completing your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page

Step 10: Input your identification data (passport) and beneficiary on your profile

Step 11: Click the “Balik-Manggagawa” on your dashboard then click the “Next” button

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

Step 13: You will be asked whether you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position if you are a returning BM.

If so, you can print your OEC exemption immediately.

If not, go to step 9 instead (change employer or new BM)

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

Step 15: Select the nearest POLO/POEA office as the processing site then click the “Next” button

Step 16: Choose and select your preferred appointment date

Step 17: Take a screenshot and print your scheduled appointment date

How to Get an OEC in Vietnam via Consular Missions

Step 1: Gather all of the necessary requirements.

Step 2: Go to the POLO/POEA office on your scheduled appointment day. Show your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full-dose vaccination card/certificate to the assigned security personnel.

Step 3: The assigned security personnel will check your name on the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.

Step 4: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.

Step 5: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.

Step 6: Pay for OEC fees.

Step 7: Wait for the OEC processor’s advice before printing your OEC in POPS-BAM System

Make sure that all the information and details in your OEC are correct and in line with your credentials.

Step 8: Sign in to your POPS-BAM account and select “Print OEC” from the “My Transaction Tab” menu.

Reminders

• Avoid using non-English characters, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic, when filling out online forms. This will delay the processing of your OEC. Therefore, make sure you enter only English characters.
• You are only permitted to acquire an OEC once every time you visit the Philippines. Getting more than one OEC simultaneously is not allowed.
• Just remember to bring three copies of your OEC to the airport on the day of your departure.
• Please keep in mind that the OEC can only be used for sixty (60) days beginning on the day it was issued.
• If a worker leaves the Philippines without an OEC, they might not be able to finish their check-in or they might be stopped by an immigration official before they leave. Prior to departing, you must make sure that you have this document with you at all times.
• Balik-Manggagawa OFWs must also present a copy of the contract they have with their company, along with their plane ticket and any other necessary travel documents.
• Once the OFW has all the proper documents, they can head to the airport and show the OEC to the immigration official there. OFWs that have an OEC can travel without issue and know that they are complying with all legal obligations related to their employment.
• Feel free to call Philippine Embassy in Vietnam at +84 24 3943 7948, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Vietnamese and the Philippines public holidays).

Video: HOW TO GET OEC USING THE NEW SYSTEM FOR OFW BALIK MANGGAGAWA

Cherrycee, an OFW YouTuber, shared a quick video tutorial on how to acquire OEC under the new system (POPS-BAM). Watch the video below to learn more about the steps needed to acquire OEC.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1. Who can get 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

(Has previously received an OEC at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mall processing centers)

2. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?

No. All OFWs leaving the Philippines, whether they are returning employees or new workers, must acquire an OEC.

The OEC serves as an exit clearance; therefore if you try to leave the country without it, Immigration will stop you. Additionally, you are excused from paying the terminal fee and travel tax thanks to this certificate.

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?

Log in to your POPS-BAM account and reprint your 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/POEA office

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

9. What is Philippine Embassy in Vietnam hotline number?

You can reach Philippine Embassy in Vietnam office at +84 24 3943 7948.

10. What is Philippine Embassy in Vietnam address?

Philippine Embassy Vietnam address is 27B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

11. What is Philippine Embassy in Vietnam office hour?

The Philippine Embassy in Vietnam is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and (Closed on Vietnamese and the Philippines public holidays).

12. What is POLO Macau’s hotline number?

You can reach POLO Macau’s office at +853 2871 5039.

13. What is POLO Macau’s address?

POLO Macau’s address is UNIT 1406 14F AIA TOWER AVENIDA COMERCIAL NOS 251A-301 MACAU, Macau, Macau.

14. What is POLO Macau’s office hour?

POLO Macau office is open Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and (Closed on Macau and the Philippines public holidays).

Summary

OFWs in Vietnam must have an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in order to continue working overseas. An OEC is an exit clearance or pass that certifies the legitimacy of the documentation and application submitted by an OFW. It serves as evidence of their POEA registration as well. The OEC must be presented to an immigration official at the airport while departing the Philippines.

Although there is no POLO office in Vietnam at the moment, your OEC can be processed through consular missions. The Philippine Embassy in Vietnam’s consular mission will assist OFWs with POLO and OWWA inquiries. You can also process your OEC at POLO Macau, which is the POLO office closest to Vietnam. If, on the other hand, you want to process your OEC before leaving the Philippines, go to the nearest POEA office. Just make sure you have all of the necessary documentation.