For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore returning from a vacation in the Philippines, securing the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), also known as the Balik Manggagawa certificate, is a crucial step before resuming work in Singapore. Understanding the significance of the OEC is essential for OFWs, and this article provides guidelines for acquiring the certificate.
OEC Requirements in Singapore
The guidelines for registering and issuing the OEC to returning workers in Singapore, as outlined in POEA Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2019, are as follows:
For Filipino workers considered as Professional Workers or those holding Employment Pass, S Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, Work Permit, or Work Permit for Domestic Workers in Singapore, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
For workers with an existing POEA record visiting the Philippines for the first time and returning to the same employer in Singapore, the necessary documents include:
- Online Appointment Information/Sheet
- POLO verified Employment Contract
- Passport
- Valid and appropriate work visa (IPA)
- Airline tickets
Important notes to consider:
- A worker with an existing POEA record who changed employers on-site must provide a Sworn Statement explaining the change in employment.
- A worker with existing POEA records returning to the same employer but a different job site must submit a Letter from the employer testifying to the transfer of the workplace.
- A worker without a POEA record should note that POLO Singapore or other POEA offices will not issue an OEC. They can only offer verification for an employment contract. As per POEA Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2019, the worker will need to apply for the OEC at the POEA in the Philippines.
In cases where the POLO has not yet verified the employment contract, the following original and photocopy documents are required:
For Professional Workers:
- Original signed Employment Contract/Offer of Employment
- Copy of Valid Work Pass or In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Copy of Passport data page valid for at least six months from the date of flight from the Philippines
- Proof of existing employment, such as a certificate of work, valid company ID, or recent payslip or equivalent documents
- Sworn Statement explaining the change in employer for workers who changed employers on-site
- Letter from the employer testifying to the transfer of the workplace for workers returning to the same employer but a different workplace
For Domestic Workers:
- Original signed Standard Employment Contract/Offer of Employment for Domestic worker
- Original signed Undertaking of Employer
- Copy of Valid Work Permit or In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Copy of Passport data page valid for at least six months from the date of flight from the Philippines
- Copy of any ID of the employer
- Original Letter of Guarantee for SGD7,000 Philippine Embassy Bond from any reputable insurance company in Singapore with 2 years of validity
- Sworn Statement explaining the change in employer for workers who changed employers on-site
- Letter from the employer testifying to the transfer of the workplace for workers returning to the same employer but a different workplace
It is important to note that the verification of the contract is a prerequisite before the issuance of the OEC, forming an integral part of the overall process.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
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Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd is a licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower with license number 19C9790.