Procedure of OEC for Same Employer:
- Log in your account in BMOnline via www.bmonline.ph
- Click on the Acquire OEC or Exemption
- Put your Flight Schedule
- Choose “Yes” if same employer
- Click Transactions and print your OEC. Screenshot on your phone is also accepted in the PH Immigration.
It is different story when you changed your employer. Instead of choosing “Yes”, choose “No” that you don’t have same employer and you will be redirected on the schedules.
Worst case, the available dates are one month from the day you logged in!
Tip: Schedule to get your OEC atleast 1-2 months before to be sure to get appointment date and get your OEC in your current country. Validity of OEC is 2 months (60 days).
Procedure of OEC for Change Employer:
- Log in your account in BMOnline via www.bmonline.ph
- Click on the Acquire OEC or Exemption
- Put your Flight Schedule
- Choose “No” if change employer
- Book appointment date
- Come to POLO Dubai on your scheduled date
- Bring the requirements: Passport, Printed BMOnline Appointment, Verified Employer Contract, Flight details/Air ticket, OEC Payment (10AED)
- Fall in line, pay and get your OEC
The above procedure are for those who have enough time. BUT if you don’t, this is what I have experienced:
So I tried to book appointment, only June dates on POLO Dubai, same with POEA Ortigas Main. I managed to book in POEA Trinoma Field Office, because there is one slot available on May 29th. BUT my flight is May 27th. I would like to try if they will allow it.
Contract Verification for Skilled who have existing POEA record
Before my flight going to PH, one of the requirements from the BMOnline email is a verified contract.
- Go to POLO Dubai (no schedule needed)
- Be sure to bring two (2) copies of Employment Contract, Passport, Visa and Payslip/Salary Certificate/Company ID
- Fall in line and wait atleast 1 hour.
- Pay 40aed
More information in http://www.polodubaiportal.org/contract-verification/
May 24th (Friday), the day I went to POEA Trinoma. I asked if I can process my OEC since my flight is on Monday (I assumed they are close on weekends right?).
They declined.
They told me to go to the Main Office in POEA Ortigas.
I went there and arrived at 11:00AM.
Tip: Go directly to the main office rather than in their Field Offices. Always arrive early.
This is based on my experience:
- Go to Step 1 and get a number. You need to explain your situation and highlight that your flight is near. Be sure to bring a copy of your ticket.
- Wait for your number to be called. As for me, it took me 4 hours of waiting as they will finish first those who are scheduled on the day. Tip: Roam around, I went in Robinsons Galleria for lunch and to spare time. Go back around 2-2:30PM.
- Once your number is called, you will again wait inside for the OEC Processing.
- After 2.5 hours, my OEC was processed. Make sure to bring the requirements: BMOnline Appointment, Original & Photocopy of Passport, Original & Photocopy of Visa, two (2) copies of Verified Contract
- Cashier was closed already around 5:30PM. They told us to pay to any Bayad Center and OEC will be automatically available in our BMOnline account. Payment is 119.50PHP
Note: I asked them about getting my OEC in NAIA Terminal 3. This is strictly for 5 or less days of stay in Philippines. It is better to get your OEC before your flight.
With that 6.5 hours, the processing time in the Philippines should improve as OFW going home has limited time and these hours of waiting is no joke.
There are many of us! Maybe, we should have more appointment schedules near the date we plan to have our OEC, more information and customer support online we can ask inquiries to avoid going back and forth.
Hopefully, this experience of mine may help someone.
If you have questions, feel free to comment below.
Thank you, Kabayan!
