Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 35)
The new requirement is a certified photocopy of the Artist Record Book (ARB) instead of the previously required Performance Certificate.
The pages must include the name, address, birthdate, skill, category, picture, hair, eyes, weight, height, training and testing records, and any amendments or limitations.
A joint letter-request from the performing artist (talent) and the president of the licensed agency must be submitted to the ARB Processing Unit indicating the talent’s full name and ARB number.
It is sealed in an envelope and received by the talent in the presence of the authorized Liaison officer of the licensed agency.
Only the Japanese Immigration Office is authorized to open the sealed envelope.
The Japanese Immigration will not accept the document, will return it to the POEA, and the matter will be endorsed to the Adjudication Office for investigation.
Sanctions include cancellation of the license of the agency, disqualification of the performing artists from the overseas employment program, and watchlisting or blacklisting of the foreign promoter or employer.
Felicisimo O. Joson, Administrator of the POEA, signed the memorandum circular.
The purpose is to verify the identity and qualifications of performing artists to ensure compliance with the overseas employment program requirements and to replace the Performance Certificate previously required.