In the online appointment system, you choose your preferred date, time, and location to do your regular OEC processing with the help of a government worker at a POEA branch or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa or POPS-BaM is POEA’s new system that will replace BM Online. It has the same functionalities but has been rebuilt from the ground up to have fewer bugs and errors.
If you have an existing BM Online account, you can transfer it to POPS-BaM using this guide. To set an OEC appointment through POPS-BaM, follow these steps:
If you don’t have an existing account yet, you can follow this guide on registering.
This includes your details, passport details, and beneficiary details.
If your details are complete, you should get four green thumbs-ups (see the image below).
Click on the Next button to proceed.
Don’t forget to read the reminders before clicking on the Next button.
People who need to set an online appointment are typically OFWs who have
Choose the transaction type that fits best with your situation.
After providing the details of your contract, click on the Submit button.
Make sure to read the reminders before proceeding to the next section.
You can change the date by clicking on the arrows. Note that there are no appointment dates on weekends.
Make sure to choose a date and time that you are sure you can attend. To proceed, click the Select button on the same row as your chosen date and time.
If you find incorrect information, click Cancel Appointment and repeat the steps.
If everything is correct, you should click Print Appointment to print a copy of your appointment details, which you will bring on the day.
UPDATE: As of June 30, 2021 6 , if you don’t already have an existing BM online account, you must use the POPS-BaM system to schedule your appointment. Proceed to the next section of this page for a guide on how to schedule an appointment through POPS-BaM.
Here’s how to set an appointment through BM Online:
When you visit your chosen POLO or POEA office on your appointment schedule, proceed to the OFW Green lanes and submit the following OEC requirements:
Yes, provided that you have a valid reason. For example, you can explain that you only have ten days of vacation and are scheduled to leave soon. You can support this by showing your visa and other requirements listed above.
Note that priority shall be given to those who have secured an online appointment.
You can get the OEC directly at the airport as a last resort. However, they can only issue an OEC if you have a valid reason that may have prevented you from going through regular processing. For instance, you can get an OEC at the airport immediately before your departure if you can prove that you’re on emergency leave and already have a confirmed flight booking.
Applying for an OEC for direct-hire OFWs differs entirely from those hired through recruitment agencies. Click here to learn more about the updated process of obtaining an OEC for direct hires.
BM Online will slowly be replaced by POPS-BaM (POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa) starting June 30, 2021. You can transfer your BM Online records to POPS-BaM using this guide. Once you transfer your records to POPS-BaM, you can follow the guide on this page to set up an appointment.
You are qualified for an OEC exemption if you are a balik-manggagawa who:
*will be returning to the same employer and job site;
*have a valid work visa/permit; and
*have existing POEA records.
If you are sure you meet all three qualification requirements, then it’s entirely possible that your POEA records from BM Online have not yet been updated in POPS-BaM. The system will do that automatically for you within 24 hours as long as your records from BM Online and POPS-BaM match.
If, after 24 hours, your account is still not updated, you can manually match your old BM online records using this guide. You may also submit a ticket to the DMW HelpDesk, so your old BM online details can be matched to the new POPS-BaM system. Go to the DMW HelpDesk and follow these instructions.
Take note that you cannot change your:
a. First Name
b. Middle Name
c. Last Name
d. Suffix
e. Date of Birth
f. Gender
g. Email
If you need to change any of the above details, you must set an appointment with POEA. However, if you only need to change details other than those listed above, you only need to follow this guide for POPS-BaM.
If you still have a valid OEC with outdated information, you must cancel it before acquiring a new one.
File a ticket in the DMW HelpDesk to process your OEC’s cancellation. Since these changes do not involve employer/job site changes, you can apply for a new OEC containing updated information via the POPS-BaM of POEA online services website 7 .
Note that you must also verify your new employment contract by your country’s POLO before POEA can release your OEC.
It depends on your current circumstance. If you’re any of the following OFWs, you must verify your employment contract before securing an OEC appointment online 8 :
a. Returning OFWs with a new employer/company in the same country
b. Returning OFWs who have a Visit (Tourist) Visa before and now have been converted into an Employment (Working) Visa
c. Returning OFWs who have a new job site/country (even if you’re still working with the same employer)
d. Returning OFWs who are not previously registered with the POEA
Before vacationing in the Philippines, it is advisable to get your contract verified first by your country’s POLO. The documentary requirements depend on your POLO office, but the usual ones are the following 9 :
a. Employment Contract (with Addendum for professional/skilled workers)
b. Work Permit
c. Passport Data Page
d. Affidavit of Employer on COVID-19
e. Secretary’s Certificate (for professional/skilled workers only)
f. Business or Employer’s Information Card
g. Employee Information Card
h. Copy of valid ID
i. Proof of employment (e.g., recent certificate of employment, valid ID, payslip)
Submit the documents to your country’s POLO for verification. It depends on the respective POLO office how much you must pay for the verification fee. The office also informs you how to claim the verified employment contract (either via courier or pickup).
Unfortunately, getting an OEC without a verified contract for OFWs with a new employer/job site might be a shot in the dark. So, getting your contract POLO-verified before returning to the Philippines is best.
Suppose you fail to verify your contract while abroad. In that case, POEA might ask you to submit a notarized affidavit and sworn statement explaining why you failed to verify your new employment contract. They will also request supporting documents to justify your reason 10 .
Another alternative is to have someone process the verification of your contract outside the country (POLO) on your behalf 11 . Once the verification is done, your representative will send the contract to the Philippines so you can present it to the POEA.
Last Updated September 21, 2023 09:36 AM
Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor for over 10 years, covering topics on personal finance, travel, government services, and digital marketing. Her background is in journalism and corporate communications. In her early 20s, she started investing and purchased a home. Now, she advocates financial literacy for Filipinos and shares her knowledge online. When she's not working, Venus bonds with her pet cats and binges on Korean dramas and Pinoy rom-coms.
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