OEC Processing Part 1: Contract Verification to POLO

Note: This process applies to direct-hires. The processing of OEC may vary if the applicant comes from an agency.

Just when you think that you already have your working visa to the US and the American dream is within your reach, I tell you, it’s not yet over. Since we consider ourselves as an Overseas Filipino Worker, there is a law in the Philippines that we need to secure an exit pass or what we call as Overseas Employment Certificate to be permitted to fly outside the country.

Obtaining an OEC isn’t easy for a first time OFW especially if the applicant is direct-hired. One has to submit several papers in order to be a documented OFW. One of the requirements is a POLO-verified employment contract. Take note, the contract should be checked by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

At first, I was having difficulties in explaining this matter to my employer since they know nothing about this policy. In addition to that, this is their first time of hiring a Filipino. They expect that after securing a visa, the worker may fly to the worksite and can start the employment.

After several researches and helping my employer on how to send the contract to POLO, they coordinated with POLO located in Washington DC to get this started as soon as possible.

Of course, the employment contract and some documents must be sent to POLO. Here are the following:

1.       Employment Contract

·         Read the contract first before signing

·         Should contain all the provisions required by POLO including sick leave, vacation leave, repatriation etc.

·         All pages signed both by employer and employee

2.       Employee’s photocopy of passport (biographic page)

3.       Employee’s photocopy of working visa

4.       Business registration/ license of the employer

5.       Identification of Employer or Company Representative

6.       Compliance letter to POLO (a format to be filled out by the employer)

Just keep updated with your employer on this process. In our case, it took us a month before we receive the verified contract via FEDEX. You will be given a tracking number to check the status of your mail. Once a contract has been checked by POLO, there will be stamps on each document. 

When I received the contract, I immediately gathered all my Phase 1 requirements and went to POEA Region 7 to start my OEC processing.

I hope this helps…

To be continued. Read next, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Requirements to POEA.