QuestionsQuestions (POEA Advisory No. 06)
It provides that the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)/exit clearance by POEA and its processing centers starting April 1, 2015 will be done independently of PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG fee/premium collections.
It took effect on April 1, 2015. POEA issues the OEC separately from PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG payments, meaning OEC processing is no longer tied to those government collections.
No. The advisory encourages continuous updating and payment because PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG contributions are mandatory under existing laws; it only separates their payment from the OEC issuance.
Balik-Manggagawa (returning workers) and vacationing workers benefit, since OEC can be secured without being tied up with PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG collections.
Yes. The advisory states that the OEC can be secured together with OWWA membership, while PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG collections are separated.
It aims to address the clamor from OFWs and workers’ organizations to separate the payment of other government fees from the issuance of the OEC.
In processing centers in the regions and in Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs).
The same scheme will be adopted for new hires and agency-hired workers starting the same date (April 1, 2015).
They are enjoined to coordinate with PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG for the enrollment of their hired workers and the payment of the corresponding fees.
Concerned POEA offices are instructed to ensure the smooth implementation of the new collection system.
Yes. It states that direct enrollment and payment can be done through their various offices and collection centers.
They should continue to update their memberships and pay corresponding mandatory contributions to PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG through the proper channels for their protection.
It separates the mandatory contributions (PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG) from the administrative requirement of securing an OEC, so workers can obtain OEC without being blocked by those separate payments while still being encouraged (and required by law) to comply with mandatory contributions.
The issuance of OEC will no longer be tied up with the payment of fees/premiums to PHILHEALTH and Pag-IBIG.