Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC is that piece of paper that every employed Filipino abroad must obtain to be able to travel to and from the Philippines (in addition to getting travel tax exemptions). But ever since it was implemented, it has presented more frustrations than benefits.
Here are 5 key reasons why I think OEC must be scrapped.
1. Our working visas should be enough to validate our employment
You don’t need to see our contracts for verification because contracts are supposedly confidential. we don’t need a paper with only 60-days validity as an honor certificate.
2. You have no technology (and the right people) capable of serving the public
Your website is poorly designed; appointment booking is poor; data verification is inaccurate. you don’t even accept card or digital payments.
3. We need proper assistance more than a mere ‘certificate’
One time, I sought advice about an employment dispute, but what I got from POLO-OWWA was, “wala tayong magagawa dyan.” Despite being told that way, I pursued the case and won.
Meron palang magagawa.
4. The value we get by being registered with POEA or OWWA is unclear, maybe nothing
There are still a lot of abuses happening to documented workers, and it’s very difficult to report unfortunate incidents.
When we have employee rights issues or salary delays, you rarely come to our aid.
5. Travel tax exemption doesn’t save us much money actually
- AED92 – OWWA membership
- AED10 – OEC processing fee
- AED40 – Contract verification (if needed)
- AED25 – Roundtrip transport (minimum)
Travel Tax exemption is only PHP1,650* (AED116)
* Your traveling dependents pay 50% of travel tax
Here’s what the public have to say on Facebook:
While the intention is good, unfortunately, it has been inefficient. Therefore, I am joining the call to abolish this system.
Hello please let me know what need documents if i go home for vacation to Philippines from dubai thank you