Are you looking to hire Filipino citizens? In addition to the immigration process, obtaining the "Overseas Employment Certificate" (OEC) is essential regardless of the destination country. Here’s more information from Oui Immigration on this specific subject!

What is it?

The OEC is an exit permit from the Philippines. It is mandatory and allows:

• Exemption from travel and airport taxes
• Legal exit from the country: this document must be presented to leave the Philippines
• Proof that the person is registered with the Department of Migrant Workers and therefore working legally
• Most importantly, it helps guarantee the person's safety and rights and prevents exploitation

Who is it for?

For any Filipino citizen going to work abroad considered as "Overseas Filipino Workers" (OFW):

• Those working abroad for the first time
• Those who have previously worked abroad and are returning with a different employer
• Those who visited/took a vacation in the Philippines and are returning abroad
• Those working for an international organization
• Those with a regulated profession
• Seafarers

In summary, almost any Filipino citizen wishing to work internationally must have an OEC.

Are there any exceptions?

There are a few exemptions - however, the person must still be registered with the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers). Those who may benefit from the exemption include:

• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) returning to their post after a vacation in the Philippines
• Certain individuals working for international organizations However, these individuals must be registered with the Department of Migrant Workers, and this can/must be verified online during the hiring and immigration process.

How to obtain it?

The application is first made online via the POEAOnlineServices site (dmw.gov.ph). An account is created, and the person can submit the required documents (personal information, passport, employment contract, etc.) for a pre-application. After review, additional documents may be requested, including the certification of the foreign employment contract by Philippine authorities in the host country. This step can be quite laborious as the contract must meet specific standards, and many documents from the host company are required: the complete file must then be sent to the competent Migrant Workers Office (for France, it is based in Madrid).

Additionally, a copy of the work visa for the chosen destination must be provided, implying that the immigration process has already progressed in parallel.

After the final review and receipt of payment by the authorities, the certificate will be issued, and the person can leave the Philippines.

How long does it take?

Expect about 2 months to obtain the OEC.

Oui Immigration’s advice

If you wish to hire a Filipino employee, we would recommend to:

• Ask them about their status and if they already have an OEC card
• Encourage them to inquire about the conditions for obtaining their OEC from the beginning of the immigration process
• As an employer, inquire with the competent Migrant Workers Office to anticipate the list of documents to provide (employment contract, company registration certificate, request letter, etc.)

These steps are essential for the procedure to run smoothly: indeed, some visas must be used fairly quickly, and losing the visa because the OEC was not anticipated would mean re-going through a good part of the immigration process.

Need assistance in hiring a foreign employee in France or worldwide, or in obtaining the precious OEC for Filipino talent? Contact us!