Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) affected by the recent lockdowns and travel restrictions due to the pandemic can now extend the validity of their overseas employment certificate (OEC) for free.
In an advisory, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) disclosed it has decided to provide the said service since “force majeure” events delayed the deployment of many OFWs.
Some of them have OECs which have already expired before they could be allowed to leave to their destination country.
An OEC is a document issued by POEA to OFWs to allow them to work abroad.
POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said the OFWs, who would like to avail of the extension in the Landbase Center for Licensed Recruitment Agency and Seabase Center for Licensed Manning Agency.
It will also be made available in the Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division for Balik-Manggagawa; Regional Centers and Satellite Offices; and Labor Assistance Center at the airports on the date of departure.
“The concerned POEA centers/office shall evaluate the worker’s employment document in compliance with POEA rules and regulations and validate the available records in the POEA System,” Olalia said.
He said the applicants should bring the copy of their expired OEC; approved signed employment contract, valid and appropriate visa/work permit; and passport (valid at least six months from the date of the intended departure).
“Upon evaluation and verification, the expired OECs shall be stamped ‘CLEARED’ and deemed revalidated,” Olalia said.