POEA launches balik-manggagawa online appointment system



Balik-manggagawa or vacationing overseas Filipino workers now have the option to
set an appointment with the POEA for the processing of their exit clearance or
overseas employment certificate (OEC), Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced
yesterday.

Cacdac said the appointment system, which will be launched on November 5, 2012,
was developed for the convenience of returning workers who have limited time to
spend with their respective families during their stay in the country specially this
coming holiday season.
The POEA has put up counters at its main office in Mandaluyong City, Duty Free
Philippines in Parañaque City and SM Manila to accommodate those who choose to
get their exit clearance at a specific date and time.

Cacdac advised OFWs to use the appointment system particularly during the peak
months of March, April, May, November, December and January when the bulk of
OFWs return home for vacation.

The appointment service is free and is available at bmappointment.poea.gov.ph.
While encouraging the use of the system, Cacdac explained that the POEA has not
totally scrapped its facility for walk-in clients.

“We are just starting out with the system and we believe that OFWs without access
to internet would still prefer getting their OEC the usual way without setting an
appointment with us,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac emphasized that the documentary requirements for those using the
appointment system and walk-in processing are the same:  1) Passport valid for 6
months from time of departure; 2) Valid working visa/work permit: 3)  Proof of
employment such as certificate of employment, company ID, pay slip, and other
equivalent document.Returning workers have to pay Php100 for POEA processing fee; US$25 or its peso
equivalent for OWWA contribution on a per contract coverage; Php1,200 for one
year Philhealth coverage; and a minimum of Php100  contribution to Pag-ibig Fund,
Cacdac added.

Cacdac said OFWs may also get their exit clearance or OEC at the Philippine Overseas
Labor Office (POLO) nearest their jobsite before their departure to the Philippines, or
at the POEA regional offices while they are in their respective provinces. \END

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