How to Apply for OEC Certificate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is an important document that every OFW must have, whether they are a new recruit or a regular employee going on leave. First of all, the OEC serves as proof that they are properly documented; secondly, it also serves as an exit clearance to be presented at the airport before they leave the Philippines.

If you are an OFW based in Riyadh, and you are planning to return after a vacation or official leave in the Philippines, then you’ll need to apply for an OEC (or OEC exemption, if applicable). You can get this document by using a new online processing system, and also by setting an appointment with the POLO office in Riyadh.

What is OEC?

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to legit and documented OFWs. You can get apply for it through POEA offices in the Philippines, or at Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) worldwide.

Notably, the OEC serves multiple purposes. Section 35 of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 states that the OEC is:

• A travel “exit pass” or “clearance” for OFWs at airports;
• A certificate that exempts OFWs from paying airport terminal fees and travel tax; and
• A certificate proving that an OFW is documented, and is therefore guaranteed benefits and protection from the Philippine government.

Moreover, the OEC has a validity period of 60 days from the date of issue. Make sure that your date of departure from the Philippines falls within this period. Otherwise, you may need to apply for an OEC again before returning abroad.

What is Balik Manggagawa?

The OEC is sometimes called “Balik Manggagawa” certificate, with reference to the OFWs as “balik manggagawa” or “returning workers.” Meanwhile, an OFW who is on official leave from work may also be called “Worker on Leave” (WOL).

Qualifications

Who are eligible or qualified to obtain an OEC? You can apply for this document if you are:

• An OFW who acquired work through direct hiring;
• An OFW who was hired through a recruitment agency;
• An OFW who was hired through POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP);
• An OFW with existing records in the POEA database and returning to the same employer and job site;
• An OFW with existing records in the POEA database and returning to the same employer but to a different job site; or
• An OFW without records in the POEA database or has changed employers in Riyadh.

However, if you are OFW who arrived in Saudi Arabia on a tourist or visit visa — and eventually found work — POLO Riyadh will not give you an OEC. Instead, you need to apply for an OEC at the POEA office in the Philippines, so that you can be recorded on its database.

Requirements

To apply for an OEC at POLO Riyadh, you need to prepare certain requirements, depending on your status as an employee.

For OFWs Returning to the Same Employer

If you are returning to the same employer in Riyadh, be sure to prepare:

• Printed Balik Manggagawa (BM) Appointment Form;
• POLO-verified Employment Contract;
• Valid Work Visa;
• Official receipt of OWWA membership;
• Original and two (2) photocopies of Passport; and
• Photocopy of confirmed, round-trip flight tickets.

For OFWs Without POLO-Verified Contract

If you do not have a POLO-verified employment contract, you need to prepare these additional documents for contract verification:

• Passport;
• Employment Contract;
• Certificate of Employment, Company ID, latest pay slip, or other proof of employment;
• Sworn Statement explaining your employment process (for those who changed employers); and
• Letter from employer verifying your transfer to a different job site (for those returning to the same employer but to a different job location).

For Skilled Workers and Professionals that Transferred Sponsors

Skilled workers and professionals who have changed sponsors must prepare:

• Certificate of Employment;
• Employment Contract; and
• Photocopy of Employment ID.

For Domestic Workers that Transferred Sponsors

Domestic workers who changed sponsors must prepare the following documents:

• Copy of Exit and Re-entry Visa;
• Compiled in one bond paper: (a) photocopy of worker’s valid Iqama; (b) photocopy of sponsor’s National ID; (c) sponsor’s signature, mobile number, and email address; and (d) address of household where domestic worker is employed.

NOTE: Domestic workers include household service workers, family drivers, house security guards, gardeners, etc.

For Semi-Skilled Workers that Transferred Sponsors

Semi-skilled workers who changed sponsors need to prepare:

• Copy of Exit and Re-entry Visa;
• Latest POLO-verified Employment Contract:
• Compiled in one bond paper: (a) photocopy of worker’s valid Iqama; (b) photocopy of sponsor’s National ID; (c) sponsor’s signature, mobile number, and email address; and (d) address of household where domestic worker is employed.

Fees

When applying for an OEC, the following fees may apply. Please note that you need to be an active OWWA and Pag-IBIG member to apply for an OEC:

• OEC Processing Fee — SAR 9.00
• OWWA Membership Fee — SAR 94.00
• Pag-IBIG Monthly Contribution — SAR 10.00

In addition, if your employment contract is not verified yet, you need to prepare:

• Contract Verification Fee — SAR 40.00
• Notarial Fee — SAR 100.00

How to Get an OEC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Online

The POEA has introduced a new online processing system lately. Through this system, OFWs need to register and create an account, before setting an appointment with the POEA or POLO for getting an OEC, or obtaining an OEC exemption (if applicable).

The steps to using the POEA online processing system are as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) through this link.
2. Click “Let’s Go!” on the e-Registration tab and start creating an account. Enter the required details, including a valid email address and password. Check your email and click the verification link. Don’t forget to write down the email address and password that you used in creating your account.
3. Log into your account and enter or update your details, including passport, visa, employment information, etc.
4. Then, it’s time to apply for an OEC. Go to “My Links” on the left tab, then select “Balik Manggagawa.”
5. Make sure that the initial assessment is colored green, then click “Next.”
6. Enter the date of your departure from the Philippines.
7. Confirm your employment details. The screen will show your latest employment information that is registered with the POEA. Make sure that everything is marked “Clear.”
8. The system will ask, “Are you returning to this job site?” (i.e. the same employer shown on the screen). If your answer is YES, proceed to OEC Exemption (see below). If your answer is NO, proceed to step no. 9.
9. Enter your latest employment information, such as the name of your employer, business permit, employer’s valid ID, employer’s address, etc.
10. Select the nearest POEA or POLO office, and set the date and time of your appointment.
11. Print your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet. You can also take a screenshot of your confirmed appointment.
12. On the date of your appointment, bring your Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet and other documents to the POEA or POLO office to obtain an OEC.

NOTE: When creating an account on the POEA online processing system, only one (1) e-Registration account is allowed for one (1) OFW.

OEC Exemption

If you are returning to the same employer and job site in Riyadh, you can get an OEC exemption online. To get this exemption, you don’t need to go to a POEA or POLO office.

Still, even if you are exempted, remember that you still need to register on the new POEA online processing system before getting a “Balik Manggagawa” exemption. Here are the steps to getting an OEC or Balik Manggagawa Exemption:

1. Follow steps 1 to 8 from above (How to Get an OEC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Online). You will be asked, “Are you returning to this job site?” (i.e. the same employer shown on the screen). Click “Yes.”
2. Check your details and make sure that all your employment information are correct. Enter the starting date and duration of your contract.
3. After entering all the required details, the system will generate your OEC or Balik Manggagawa exemption. Print this document as proof that you are exempted.

Upon leaving the Philippines, present your OEC or Balik Manggagawa exemption to immigration officials at the airport. Again, print a copy of this document and bring it on the date of your departure to avoid any problems.

How to Get an OEC at POLO Office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

If you are returning to a different employer or to a different job site in Riyadh, you need to apply for an OEC at the POLO office there. This process involves booking an appointment before getting your OEC, as follows:

Part 1: Booking a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) Appoinment

1. Enter your latest employment details on the POEA online processing system. This applies to those who have a change of employer and/or job site, and those who already have a record with POEA but have not yet registered on the system.
2. After entering your employment details, click “Submit.”
3. Set a “Balik Manggagawa” (BM) appointment by selecting your preferred processing location (e.g. nearest POLO or POEA office).
4. Select your preferred appointment date.
5. That’s it! You have just made a BM Appointment.

Part 2: Getting an OEC at POLO Riyadh

1. On the date of your appointment, go to the POLO Riyadh office.
2. Proceed to the reception desk and submit your documents for verification.
3. Go to the counter and get a queue number.
4. Pay all the necessary fees.
5. That’s it! After payment, you will receive your OEC.

Upon leaving the Philippines, present your OEC to immigration officials at the airport. Check all the details and make sure that your OEC is valid on the date of your departure, to avoid any problems.

Video: Applying for OEC Without POLO-Verified Contract

If you need to apply for an OEC, but you do not have a POLO-verified contract yet, check out the video below. It was shared by “Mekanikal Inhinyero Vlogs” YouTube channel, which is managed by an OFW based in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the OEC, OEC exemption, and the POEA online processing system:

1. How long is the validity of an OEC?

The OEC is valid for 60 days, starting from the date of issue. It must be valid on the date of your departure from the Philippines.

2. How much is the OEC fee in Riyadh?

The OEC fee in Riyadh is SAR 9.00.

3. Can I get an OEC even if I’m not an OWWA member?

No. You need to be an active member of OWWA in order to get an OEC or OEC exemption. If you are not an active member, you need to pay the OWWA membership fee while applying for an OEC.

4. I am returning to the same employer in Riyadh. How can I get an OEC exemption?

If you are returning to the same employer, you still need to register on the POEA online processing system. Enter the necessary information and follow the instructions onscreen to get your OEC exemption.

5. The POEA online processing system has confirmed that I am exempted from OEC. Do I have to go to a POEA or POLO office?

No. There’s no need for you to go to a POEA or POLO office if the system has confirmed that you are exempted from OEC. Simply print your OEC exemption and show it to immigration officials at the airport upon departing from the Philippines.

6. Can I change the email address that I used when registering on the POEA online processing system?

No. You cannot change your email address; this will serve as your permanent log-in account on the system. Nevertheless, you can change your account password from time to time.

Aside from your email address, the following details cannot be manually changed as well: name, gender, and date of birth. So always check the data that you enter!

7. I forgot the email address and password I used to register an account on the POEA online processing system. How can I fix this?

Go to the POEA Help Desk through this link. Click “Create a Ticket” and file an electronic ticket, explaining that you would like to correct your email address and password. To follow up your ticket, click “Inquire Ticket.”
https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/onlineservices/public/OFWtickets.aspx

8. I was able to obtain an OEC during my last vacation, but I have not registered with the new POEA online processing system yet. Can I get an OEC exemption?

No. You still need to register and create an account with the new POEA online processing system, even if you were able to get an OEC before.

9. I am returning to the same employer and I was able to obtain an OEC before. But now, the POEA online processing system is re-directing me to the appointment page. I wonder why?

You will be re-directed to the POEA online processing system’s appointment page if you happen to be:

An OFW who is on a watchlist, or your employer is on a watchlist;
An OFW who is returning to a non-compliant or restricted country;
An OFW without records in the POEA database, or there are discrepancies between the information you entered and the data in the system;
An undocumented worker (e.g. tourist, student, dependent) who became an OFW; or
A sea-based OFW who became a land-based OFW.

10. Each time I go on vacation to the Philippines, do I need to get an OEC?

Yes. You need to get an OEC each time you go on vacation to the Philippines. This involves logging into the POEA online processing system and applying for an OEC or OEC exemption before returning overseas.

Summary

As you can see, applying for an OEC is pretty much straightforward, as long as you have the necessary requirements and are registered on the POEA online processing system. If you are returning to the same employer and job site, you can easily get an OEC exemption online, without having to go to POLO Riyadh office.

So once again, if you are going on leave or vacation in the Philippines soon, be sure to apply for an OEC or OEC exemption to avoid any problems before you return to Riyadh.

Contact Information: POLO Riyadh

If you have queries or concerns, you can get in touch with POLO Riyadh through the following contact details. Take note that the office is open from Sundays to Thursdays, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Address: 3267 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al Mutamarat, 8103, Riyadh 12711, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +96 650 285 0944
Email: poloriyadh@dole.gov.ph (for administrative concerns) / riyadh@owwa.gov.ph (for labor and welfare concerns)
Website: https://poloriyadh.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069337504462

Google Map Location

Since July 2021, the POLO office has been located at 3267 Makkah Al Mukarramah Road, Al Mutamarat, Riyadh. Below is the office’s location on Google Maps, for your reference:

 

DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you are going on leave or vacation in the Philippines soon. Likewise, please keep in mind that the above guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. To learn more about the latest requirements, fees, and steps in applying for an OEC or OEC exemption, please visit the official website of POLO Riyadh.

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