OEC Registration Guide: How to get Balik Manggagawa online

If you're an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or planning to hire someone from the Philippines, you’ll definitely want to know about the OEC.

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a mandatory document for all Filipinos working in another country, including Hong Kong. It proves that your employment is legal and registered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). One of the biggest perks of having an OEC—or an OEC exemption if you qualify — is that it makes the immigration process much faster and easier when departing from the Philippines. What makes the OEC even more convenient? If you qualify, you can easily apply for it online in just a few clicks!

This one article is everything you might have questions about OEC, including how to get one online while you are in Hong Kong! Plus, you will find out more about Wise - a smart financial solution to save money as an OFW in Hong Kong.

What is an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)?

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to both new hires and returning OFWs (Balik Manggagawa). The OEC serves as proof that OFWs have legally registered their employment abroad with the DMW. It also acts as a travel exit clearance, which departing OFWs must present at customs.¹

All OFWs will be asked to apply for an OEC. So, if you are an OFW in Hong Kong, you must present this document to the Immigration Department upon exiting the Philippines. Having a valid OEC can even help you save on travel costs, as it exempts OFWs from paying travel tax and terminal fees.

OEC Validity - How many days does the OEC last?

The OEC can be used for only one exit from the Philippines and is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance².

So before exiting the Philippines, remember to check your OEC validity. But don’t worry if your OEC expires before your travel time. You can reapply for a new OEC online whenever you need one. Sometimes you might even be eligible for an OEC exemption, which can make your travel abroad process way more smoother. More on the OEC exemptions available in just a moment!

OEC Fees

The fees you pay may vary slightly based on the situation and they might change overtime. Here are the key costs you might typically encounter:

Where to get OEC in HK?

When your OEC expires while you are still in Hong Kong but you have plans to visit the Philippines, you can still register for an OEC. There are two ways to get OEC in Hong Kong:

1. In-Person: Required for first-time OFWs and Balik Manggagawa who will change their employment information (employer, jobsite, job position, and other information)
2. Online: OEC online registration or OEC exemption is only available for eligible Balik Manggagawa.

If you need to make an appointment to register for an OEC in Hong Kong, here is an official location where you can obtain one:

How to get OEC online in Hong Kong

If you meet all the requirements, you can easily secure an OEC online in Hong Kong through the POPs-BaM system. This new system replaces the old BM processing system, and it is considered as a faster and more secure way to register your OEC online⁵.

Whether you're eligible to apply for an OEC online or need to book an in-person appointment, you'll need to create an account first. Here’s how to register for an OEC account online:⁶

1. Visit the DMW Online Services: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/
2. Click ‘Let’s go’ under the e-Registration section.
3. Go through the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement and accept the terms of use
4. Provide your personal information as requested.
5. Temporary password will be sent to your email.
6. Login to https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/.
7. Make sure to update your Profile, Education, and Experience, and the required Documents.

How to get Balik Manggagawa OEC online

To register for a Balik Manggagawa OEC online in Hong Kong, or other host countries, you’ll need to follow these steps:⁶

1. Visit the DMW Online Services: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/
2. Click ‘Let’s go’ under the e-Registration section
3. Log into your account if you have already had one. Otherwise, create a new account by following the instructions above.
4. You will find the 'Balik Manggagawa' under the My Links section.
5. You will be asked to provide your flight schedule and click ‘Next’.
6. If you are returning to the same employer with the same position that displayed on the screen, answer Yes. You can print out your OEC online.
7. If you are not eligible for an online OEC registration in Hong Kong, you will be prompted to set up a physical appointment.

OEC Requirements

Just a quick note: the DMW defines Balik Manggagawa as Filipinos who have worked or are currently working abroad and are returning to the same employer, either in the same position or a new one. They temporarily return to the Philippines for a visit or vacation before going back to work overseas.

So, if you've been working remotely for an overseas employer while staying in the Philippines or you’re heading abroad for work for the first time, you won’t be considered a Balik Manggagawa. If you change your employer, you won’t be classified as Balik Manggagawa either⁷.

OEC requirements may vary depending on whether you’re classified as a Balik Manggagawa or not. Some other factors might affect OEC requirements include whether you’re applying online or in person, the country you work in and whether your role or employer has changed recently. Check out the full details for what you’ll need for your situation before you start your application.

OEC Requirements for First-Time OFWs

If you are a first-time OFWs, you will likely need to make an appointment to register your OEC in the Philippines. You can also schedule your appointment with the POPs-BaM system:⁸

1. Visit the DMW Online Services: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/
2. Click ‘Let’s go’ under the e-Registration section
3. Log into your account
4. Find the 'Direct Hire Application' under the My Links section.
5. Click the My Application button
6. Provide your information accurately. Don’t leave anything blank.
7. Upload all required documents in scanned form or clear images.
8. Wait for your application to be approved. Check the current status of your application in the Action Taken tab in case you are missing any documents.
9. After your application is reviewed, you can print your appointment details and bring the original copies of all the documents you uploaded to the site. You will also be able to see any applicable fees for the OEC registration service.

When you come to for your OEC appointment, here is what you usually need to bring⁹:

• Printed copy of your appointment confirmation
• Verified employment contract
• Passport with at least 1 year validity
• POLO Endorsement Letter
• TESDA National Certificate II if you are a domestic worker or helper.
• Notarized Statement on how you get the job
• Your employer’s photocopy of passport/ID and contract details

OEC Requirements for Change of Employer

If you’ve been working abroad but have recently changed your employer, position, or job site, you may need to schedule an appointment to register your OEC. Here’s how you can book an appointment for your OEC with updated employment details:

1. Visit the DMW Online Services: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/.
2. Click ‘Let’s go’ under the e-Registration section.
3. Log into your account if you have already had one. Otherwise, create a new account by following the instructions above.
4. You will find the 'Balik Manggagawa' under the My Links section.
5. You will be asked to provide your flight schedule and click ‘Next’.
6. Select No when you are shown the information of the previous employer.
7. Update new employer information. Click Next and the screen will let you set up your Balik Manggagawa OEC Appointment.
8. Choose the Processing Location, Date, and Time. Confirm your appointment.

Make sure to bring these original and photocopy of this list of documents:

• Printed copy of your appointment.
• Verified Employment Contract (Original).
• Valid Visa or Work Pass (Original and copies).
• Valid Philippine Passport (original and 2 copies)
• OWWA membership fee receipt
• HKID number of your employer

OEC Requirements for Balik Manggagawa

If you are a Balik Manggagawa, getting an OEC online in Hong Kong (or other host countries) can be so much quicker and more convenient.The POPs-BaM system will notify you of your eligibility after you proceed to the 'Balik Manggagawa' under the My Links section.

In this case, you won’t need to provide any additional documents—simply print your OEC details and you’re good to go!

OEC exemption

You may be able to get an OEC exemption if you have acquired an OEC before and you are returning to the same employer.¹

If you are eligible for an OEC exemption, you won’t need to physically present for an appointment.

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One more good news for OFWs around the globe: Wise has recently launched in the Philippines! This means your loved ones back home can now open a Wise account for free and save more when they receive money from abroad with Wise.

Read more: How to top up your Wise account and get PHP account details in the Philippines

Sources last checked on 21-Mar-2025.