How to Get POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Online for OFWs in Canada

The POEA Balik Manggagawa Online System has made obtaining an OEC much easier than it was previously. To put this in context, an apparently pleasant journey back home in the Philippines may rapidly turn into a nightmare and a major source of concern when faced with endless queues that can easily deplete your time in the country only to obtain an OEC. Was it worth it? Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the answer.

Also Read: Step by Step Guide: Register in One Health Pass For Filipinos

However, since the number of OFWs continues to rise, the POEA has created (and at a good time) an online system to make it easier for vacationing Filipinos to receive their OEC while in the country. If you want to discover more about how this works, keep reading all the way to the end of this article.

Contents

Guide on How to Obtain an OEC via Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online from Canada

This post will go over all you need to know about your OEC, the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System (BM Online), the application process, and some frequently asked issues regarding this service.

What is the Balik Manggagawa Online – BM Online Processing System?

The POEA requires an OEC, or overseas employment certificate, for all travelling OFWs, whether new hires or balik-manggagawa (returning OFWs). This will serve as your exit clearance to return to your host country. This will also serve as proof of exemption from the airport terminal fee and travel tax.

The Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System (BM Online) is a website where OFWs may make an appointment to get their OEC. This is also how they will find out if they qualify for OEC exemption. OFWs no longer must wait in long queues at government offices thanks to this digital solution. Furthermore, OFWs can request an OEC appointment at any time using this system.

You may be asking why you must register for an OEC through BM Online. If you are a first-time OFW, you should be grateful since this online platform has spared you from spending long hours at the Labor Assistance Center (LAC) before your departure waiting for your turn to be issued an OEC. Consider how stressful this circumstance is: you’re waiting for your flight, but you still need to travel somewhere to pick up crucial paperwork for your vacation. Of course, no one wants that!

With this online platform, acquiring an OEC should not be a source of stress or anxiety, wasting valuable time that you could be spending with family and loved ones – if not just to unwind.

Eligibility / Qualifications

As previously stated, all OFWs, whether exempt or not, must register through this website. This is especially useful for those returning to the country for vacation or other purposes. The POEA can utilise this platform to determine who is excluded from obtaining an OEC based on the information in the system.

Balik Manggagawa Requirements for OFWs

To obtain an OEC via the BM Online platform, you need to have the following documents on hand:

Your passport with at least six (6) months validity from departure date.
Valid work visa, work permit, or any equivalent document
A verified employment contract or offer of employment
Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet

How to Download Balik Manggagawa Form

Applying using the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System alleviates a significant burden off your shoulders. It frees up significant time for you to focus on other important matters before returning to work abroad.

How To Register at the Balik Manggagawa Online (5 Steps)

1. Go to the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System Page by going to the www.poea.gov.ph and under the Online Services, click the Balik-Manggagawa Online Processing System.

2. Under the ‘New User’ field, input the personal information required (e.g., name, birth date, gender, e-mail, and so on)

How to Get POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Online for OFWs in Canada — Screengrab taken from the BM Online website

3. Click “I Accept the Terms of Service” after reading it. Once done, click ‘Accept’ if you agree to everything outlined in the terms of service.

4. Next, click ‘Sign Me Up’

5. A confirmation message will be sent to your registered e-mail. Check your inbox to click this link to activate your account. The details provided can now be used as your log-in credentials.

How To Apply For An OEC via BM Online

So, after registering as a new user on the BM Online platform, the next step is to see if you may apply for an OEC or if it is no longer required. The information on the system will determine this, specifying your status, hence, the necessity for an OEC or otherwise.

Step 1: Visit the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System Page by typing bmonline.ph or clicking this link.

Step 2: Input your log-in credentials. This refers to the e-mail address and password you used during registration.

Screengrab taken from the BM Online website

Step 3: Input the details (OEC number) of the last OEC issued to you, then click Submit.

If the information you supplied was recognised by the system, and if you choose to return to your previous employer, your employer information and the job site will appear on the screen; click “Yes” to proceed. Otherwise, if you have a new employer or employment site, select “No.” If you do not have this information, click on the link to schedule an appointment.

Step 4: Complete your profile.

You will be needed to enter your personal information, contract details, and, if appropriate, legal beneficiaries or eligible dependents – this can be more than one.

Don’t forget to click ‘Save Changes’ after filling out all of these fields. Click ‘Edit’ if you need to update or adjust any of the information you’ve entered.

Screengrab taken from the BM Online website

Step 5: Upload a profile photo.

Step 6: Review the details of your profile.

Step 7: Click “Acquire an OEC Exemption”

Step 8: Input your expected flight schedule.

Notes:

Make sure your passport and visa are both valid for your next travel.
The flight schedule you will provide must be within 60 days of getting your OEC.
OEC Exemption can only be availed for a single exit only.

Step 9: You will again be asked if you will return to the same employer/job site, and answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to book an appointment.

The stages that follow will be determined by the information you have entered into the system.

ACQUIRING AN OEC

Select the link that says, ‘Acquire OEC’.
Select the payment option that applies to you (banks [over the counter/online], mobile (GCash), or non-banks)
Settle the fee.
After you have paid the fees, head back to the BM Online homepage by typing: https://www.bmonline.ph/ or clicking this link.
Select Transactions to view your OEC.
Click ‘Print Receipt’ to print your OEC.

OEC EXEMPTION

The system will evaluate your profile to see whether you are eligible for an OEC exemption. If you qualify, you will receive a notification informing you that you are excused from obtaining an OEC and paying the processing charge.

Screengrab taken from the POEA website

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON SETTING AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Step 1: Choose the location for your appointment.

Step 2: Pick the slot for the schedule and time that you prefer.

You may select whatever appeals to you, as long as it is still available on the website. Once you’ve decided on a time, click ‘Set Appointment.’

Step 3: Review the Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet.

After you make sure that everything is correct, then click ‘Print the Appointment’.

Step 4: Visit the selected POEA branch on the appointed date and time.

Bring the following documents to your appointment as per the POEA BM Online e-mail:

Balik Manggagawa Information sheet
Original and photocopy of passport
Original and photocopy of valid visa or work permit
Original and photocopy of the contract

Note:

For changes in employer, illegal employees, and HSW, the contract must be validated by POLO or the Philippine Embassy.

POEA Branches in the Philippines

Here are the POEA branches where you may make an appointment based on what is most convenient for you.

POEA Main Office
EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines

POEA Regional Center for Luzon
2nd Floor Kenny Plaza Quezon Ave
City of San Fernando, La Union

POEA Satellite Office – Tuguegarao City
Methodist Church Compound
Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao City

POEA Regional Extension Unit
G/F Gestdan Centrum
80 Bokawkan Road corner Upper P Burgos Baguio City

Satellite Office – Pampanga
3rd Floor, SM City Pampanga
Bgy. San Jose, Gapan- Olongapo Road corner NLEX
San Fernando City Pampanga

Satellite Office – Calamba City
Basement, Andenson Building II
Brgy. Parian Calamba City

Satellite Office – Oriental Mindoro
Unit B Sapphire Building, Roxas Drive cor Kamias St
Brgy Lumangbayan, Calapan City

POEA Office – Palawan
One-Stop Service Center for OFWs
2nd floor, Robinson’s Place, Puerto Princesa North Road
Puerto Princesa City

Satellite Office – Legaspi City
Ground Floor, Unit 102-103, ANST Bldg. Washington Drive
Legaspi City

POEA Regional Center for Visayas
Ground Flr. DOLE Building (old Insular Building)
corner General Maxilom Ave and Gorordo Ave
Cebu City

Regional Extension Unit
RHEA GLYNDA D. CALANTAS
3rd Floor, Robinson’s Place – Iloilo
Ledesma corner Mabini Streets, Iloilo City

Satellite Office – Bacolod City
2/F, Gaisano Grand Bacolod City Mall
Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City

Satellite Office – Tacloban City
3/F Uytingkoc Building, Senator Enage Street
Tacloban City

POEA Regional Center for Mindanao
2nd Floor, AMQ Building
corner Lakandula St., Dacudao Avenue
Agdao, Davao City

Regional Extension Unit
2nd Floor, Goodwill Center
Canelar, Zamboanga City

Regional Extension Unit
Ground Floor Trinidad Bldg.
Yacapin St., Cagayan de Oro City

Satellite Office – Koronadal City
Ground Floor, Nearby Executive Suites
Zulueta St., Koronadal City

Satellite Office- Butuan City
Door 2, Nimfa Tiu Bldg 7 JP Rosales Avenue
Butuan City

Satellite Office – Tawi-Tawi
Initiative for Tawi Tawi Area Devt. Foundation (ITAD) Bldg.
Old Housing Proj., Tubig Boh, Bongao, Tawi Tawi

Labor Assistance Centers (LAC)

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila)
Mactan International Airport (Cebu)
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao)

Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO)

Americas

USA
- Los Angeles
- Washington
Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver

Asia

Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Korea (Seoul)
Macau
Canada
Singapore
Taiwan
- Kaohsiung
- Taichung
- Taipei
Vietnam

Europe

Cyprus (Nicosia)
England (London)
Greece (Athens)
Italy
Milan
Rome
Spain (Madrid)
Switzerland (Geneva)

Middle East

Bahrain (Mahooz)
Israel (Tel-Aviv)
Jordan (Amman)
Kuwait
Lebanon (Baabda)
Libya (Tripoli)
Oman (Muscat)
Qatar (Doha)
Saudi Arabia
- Alkhobar
- Jeddah
- Riyadh
- Unaizah
United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
Syria (Damascus)

What to Expect (Pre-Departure)

Because your OEC exemption differs from that of non-exempted OFWs, your pre-departure processes will change.

To check in, proceed directly to the airline counter.
Continue to the Immigration desk.
Present your valid passport as well as your work visa or work permit.

How to Avail of Travel Tax and Terminal Fee Exemption

To the MIAA desk and the airline counter, present any of the following evidence of abroad work (both original and photocopy):

Valid work visa or work permit
Valid employment contract
Current employment certificate
Company ID
Latest payslip

Video: OWWA Balik Manggagawa Program

Here’s a short video to assist OFWs understand what they need to do when applying for an OEC using the BM Online website. You may learn more about the procedure and how to make the most of this document by following the advice of people who have already applied and utilized it.

[UPDATE]

As of this writing, the BM Online website will soon be retired and will transition to another website: https://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph//OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx. You can process your OEC application using this website moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I qualified as a ‘Balik-Manggagawa’ under the POEA?

Those who are considered as Balik-Manggagawa as per the POEA are the following:

Worker on leave – this refers to anyone who’s on vacation or on leave from employment, with a valid and existing contract and will return to the same employer, regardless of a change in the job site, to complete the remaining terms of their contract.
Rehire – this refers to someone who has been rehired by the same employer after completing their latest contract. They shall be working for the same employer, regardless of a change in the job site, under a new contract.
POLO registered worker – this refers to a returning worker whose contract was not processed by the POEA but has been registered and verified with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in their job site, and is returning to the same employer, either as a worker on leave or rehire, with or without a change in the job site. Same employer/principal refers to a person identified as the employer in the employment contract previously processed by the POEA or registered at the POLO on the job site.

How long will my OEC be valid?

The Balik Manggagawa OEC is only valid for six (6) months.

What should I do if I lost my Balik Manggagawa OEC?

If you lose your OEC, you can get another one using your BM online account. If you are unable to get this document using your BM online account, you can file an Affidavit of Loss with the POEA to request a reissue of your OEC, which you can use as an exit clearance. If you lose your OEC, you will no longer be eligible for an OEC exemption and will be required to pay travel tax and terminal fees at the airport.

I haven’t used my Balik-Manggagawa OEC until it expired, what should I do?

Unfortunately, an expired OEC cannot be used for travel or employment. Instead, after submitting the old one to the Labor Assistance Center, you will be required to pay a replacement charge of Php 100. (LAC).

I’m supposed to get an OEC exemption. Instead, I was redirected to the appointment page. What happened?

The reason for this could be any of the following:

Sea-based workers who changed positions to Landbased Worker
Undocumented workers (i.e., Tourists to OFW, Dependent of OFW, Students to OFW, etc.)
Watchlisted worker and/or OFW with a watchlisted employer
Workers without POEA records / No record found / Discrepancy in any record
BM workers returning to a different employer and/or Jobsite
OFWs returning to a restricted or non-compliant country

Final Thoughts

You can get an OEC exemption without visiting the POEA office by using the BM Online System. This saves you time and the aggravation of having to wait in line at the office. That being stated, all OFWs must utilise this service. This would not only save you money but will also ensure a smooth transfer from the Philippines to your abroad employment and vice versa.