What is the difference between OEC and OFW Pass?

The OFW Pass is the virtual alternative/substitute of the OEC. It covers as an online ID, exit clearance, and is mobile friendly through a QR code and simplifies the process to a large number of returning OFWs.

Am I expected to pay a lot on the Placement Fee?

The DMW Rules and Regulations limit the Placement Fee to one month basic salary in most of the countries. Nevertheless, in numerous countries (such as Canada and the UK, and a number of Middle Eastern states) the collection of fees among the workers is forbidden at all, so the occupation must be No Placement Fee. One must make sure to check the rule of the host country.

What is the membership of OWWA?

The OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) offers social security, welfare, education and training, repatriation and death/disability to its members along with their families. It is important that you keep on paying your OWWA Membership

Philippines Work Abroad Process – Legal Agencies List

Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a great dream, yet the journey to foreign work has to be safe and legal. Philippine government has put in place a mandatory, clear procedure of subjecting its workers to work abroad to ensure they are not exploited by employers, which the Department of migrant workers (DMW) within the Philippine government largely oversees this process.

The Gatekeeper The DMW and its List of Legal Agencies

The one and the most crucial thing in the process of work abroad in the Philippines is to work only with DMW Licensed Recruitment Agency. The only government department that has the mandate to control the hiring and placement of the OFWs is the DMW (which was previously known as the POEA – Philippine Overseas Employment Administration).

Checking on a DMW- Approved Agency

Inexpecable Recruitment is a grave menace. You should never believe you are in an agency unless you confirm it through the official online services of DMW.

Go to the DMW Website: Go to the Department of Migrant Workers site (dmw.gov.ph).
Check the Directory: Find the site that has a link which is labeled as the Licensed Recruitment Agencies or DMW License Recruitment Agency.
Search & Confirm: Enter the full name of the agency or license number to verify the current status of the agency (Active, Delisted, or Cancelled). Do not believe an agency not on this list of Legal Agencies.

Compulsory Education and DMW E-Registration

Prior to official registration, the DMW will require educational seminars, which will equip the future OFWs with the challenges of working in foreign countries and to learn all their rights and the DMW Rules and Regulations.

The Required Seminars:

PEOS (Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar): It is the initial step that is typically carried out online on the DMW site. It gives fundamental details about the process, regulatory bodies and fraud prevention.
PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar): This is mandatory to all first-time OFWs. This includes cultural acclimatization, economic literacy and fundamental employee rights.
CPDEP (Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program): It is a specialized, compulsory program to domestic workers and household service workers.

DMW E-Registration

New hires, as well as, Balik-Manggagawa (returning workers), are required to create and keep updated profile on DMW online system. This leaves a lasting history of you and is a must in obtaining your exit clearance.

The Exit Clearance OEC or OFW Pass

The most important document in the departure is the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or in its current digital form, the OFW Pass. It will not grant you permission to step out of the country as an OFW without it.

What It Is: OEC/OFW Pass is an exit clearance, an evidence of legal registration, and it has such privileges as Travel Tax Exemption and Terminal Fee Exemption.
Balik-Manggagawa Process: returning OFWs (Balik-Manggagawa) usually receive an OEC Exemption or can do their OFW Pass swiftly online through the DMW mobile application in case they are returning to the same employer/job location.
Fees & Contributions: In order to gain the clearance you have to pay the obligatory fees to the government:
POEA Processing Fee
Contribution to OWWA Membership (welfare cover)
Compulsory SSS, PhilHealth Contribution and Pag-IBIG Contribution.

Evading Death traps in Recruitment and Direct Hire

The most prevalent trick of the would-be OFWs is engaging unlicensed recruiters or trying illegal Direct Hire.

Spotting Red Flags: Be suspicious of agencies that: charge more than one month of salary in Placement Fee (DMW limits it on its web site, or it is banned in some cases), do not have any Approved Job Orders listed on its web site, or employ hard-sellers.
Direct Hire Rules: Direct Hire (finding a job without an agency) is not encouraged by the DMW. It is only allowed to some groups of employees (such as high-skilled professionals, or to employees who are employed by international organizations) who need to subject their papers to the DMW as a direct hire.

FAQs

What is the difference between OEC and OFW Pass?

The OFW Pass is the virtual alternative/substitute of the OEC. It covers as an online ID, exit clearance, and is mobile friendly through a QR code and simplifies the process to a large number of returning OFWs.
Am I expected to pay a lot on the Placement Fee?

The DMW Rules and Regulations limit the Placement Fee to one month basic salary in most of the countries. Nevertheless, in numerous countries (such as Canada and the UK, and a number of Middle Eastern states) the collection of fees among the workers is forbidden at all, so the occupation must be No Placement Fee. One must make sure to check the rule of the host country.
What is the membership of OWWA?

The OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) offers social security, welfare, education and training, repatriation and death/disability to its members along with their families. It is important that you keep on paying your OWWA Membership

Final Thoughts

The Philippines Work Abroad Process is a well-designed legal framework that is created in your favor. Knowing the key position of the Department of Migrant workers (DMW), check, whether it is a DMW Licensed Recruitment Agency, and follow the steps (PEOS/PDOS, Contract Verification, and acquisition of OEC/OFW Pass) properly, you are not only getting a job but a secure and legal one as a respected OFW.

Disclamir

The present job information is provided on an educational / informational basis only. Ensure that the current requirements and fees (e.g. POEA Processing Fee, Placement Fee cap) and status of any DMW Licensed Recruitment Agency are verified directly on the official governmental site of the Department of Migrant Workers (dmw.gov.ph) before submitting an application or paying any money.