NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DMW Announces Free Issuance Of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) For Rehires
Photo credit: OWWA
The Department of Migrant Workers has taken a significant step to support overseas Filipino workers by announcing that the issuance of all forms of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for rehires or Balik-Manggagawa (BM) shall be free of charge, which was effective July 29, 2023.
According to the Department Circular No. 02, Series of 2023, the decision to provide OECs without any fees comes as a measure in the interest of the service, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on returning workers.
This move is expected to facilitate and expedite the processing of OECs for rehires, simplifying the journey of those seeking employment abroad.
With the implementation of this new policy, both manual and digital OECs will no longer require the issuance of an Official Receipt. The waived fees aim to ease the financial expenses that overseas Filipino workers often encounter while securing necessary documentation for their overseas employment.
However, it is essential to note that despite the fee exemption, the Report of Accountability for manual OECs must still be prepared monthly by the Accountable Officer. The report should be submitted to the Finance Service through the Accounting Division on the 10th day of the following month, as per the guidelines.
In light of this development, the Department urges all relevant personnel and stakeholders to be well-informed and updated with the new procedures and policies. Workers planning to secure OECs for rehires are encouraged to take advantage of this cost-saving initiative.
Furthermore, the Department advises that all unused Official Receipt Forms for OEC-BM collection, as of close of office hours on July 28, 2023, must be properly accounted for. These forms should be promptly returned to the General Service Division, Administrative Service.
According to the Department Circular No. 02, Series of 2023, the decision to provide OECs without any fees comes as a measure in the interest of the service, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on returning workers.
This move is expected to facilitate and expedite the processing of OECs for rehires, simplifying the journey of those seeking employment abroad.
With the implementation of this new policy, both manual and digital OECs will no longer require the issuance of an Official Receipt. The waived fees aim to ease the financial expenses that overseas Filipino workers often encounter while securing necessary documentation for their overseas employment.
However, it is essential to note that despite the fee exemption, the Report of Accountability for manual OECs must still be prepared monthly by the Accountable Officer. The report should be submitted to the Finance Service through the Accounting Division on the 10th day of the following month, as per the guidelines.
In light of this development, the Department urges all relevant personnel and stakeholders to be well-informed and updated with the new procedures and policies. Workers planning to secure OECs for rehires are encouraged to take advantage of this cost-saving initiative.
Furthermore, the Department advises that all unused Official Receipt Forms for OEC-BM collection, as of close of office hours on July 28, 2023, must be properly accounted for. These forms should be promptly returned to the General Service Division, Administrative Service.
Aug 2, 2023
