According to POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, the appointment system, which will be launched on Monday, was developed for the convenience of returning workers who have limited time to spend with their respective families during their stay in the country especially this coming holiday season.
The POEA has put up counters at its main office in Mandaluyong City, at Duty Free Philippines in Parañaque City and at 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.
These include passport valid for six months from time of departure; valid working visa/work permit; proof of employment such as certificate of employment, company ID, pay slip, and other equivalent document.
Returning workers have to pay P100 for POEA processing fee; US$25 or its peso equivalent for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration contribution on a per contract coverage; P1,200 for one year Philhealth coverage; and a minimum of P100 contribution to Pag-IBIG Fund.
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.