How to Get OEC in Dubai: Requirements, Process & New OFW Pass Rules

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a vital document for Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) departing the Philippines. Traditionally issued as a paper certificate, the OEC serves as proof of employment and exempts workers from paying travel tax and other fees. Recently, the Philippine government introduced the OFW Pass, a digital exit clearance system replacing the traditional OEC for many returning workers. This guide focuses on the latest rules, procedures, and requirements for OEC Dubai, specifically tailored to OFWs based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

• Overview
• What Are the New OFW Pass Rules 
• Who Qualifies for OFW Pass or Exemption vs Who Needs OEC
• Step-by-Step Process for Dubai-Based OFWs
• Comparisons: OEC vs OFW Pass
• Documents and Requirements You Need 
• Tips to Avoid Delays & Common Issues 
• Current Fees, Processing Time & Office Details in Dubai
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Overview 

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is an essential document for Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) departing the Philippines. Issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the OEC serves as proof that an OFW is legally employed abroad. It also functions as an exit clearance, allowing workers to enjoy exemptions from travel tax, terminal fees, and other charges at Philippine airports. 

Traditionally, the OEC was issued as a paper certificate that must be presented upon departure. But in recent years, the Philippine government introduced the OFW Pass, also known as the OFW Travel Pass, to simplify the exit clearance process. 

This digital system is gradually replacing the traditional paper-based OEC for many returning OFWs. The OFW Pass integrates contract verification, eligibility checks, and exit clearance into a single platform accessible through the DMW Mobile App or the eGovPH system, making the process faster, more convenient, and fully digital.

For OFWs based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the OFW Pass pilot was included in the July 2023 rollout, reflecting a shift in how departure formalities are managed in the UAE. 

While many returning workers to the same employer can now use the digital pass instead of the traditional OEC, transitional provisions still allow certain cases, such as first-time OFWs, those changing employers, or those converting tourist visas to work visas, to continue using the conventional OEC process. 

What Are the OFW Pass Rules

The Philippine government has introduced the OFW Pass to modernise and simplify the exit clearance process for overseas Filipino workers.

What is the OFW Pass?

The OFW Pass, also known as the OFW Travel Pass, is a digital exit clearance issued via the DMW Mobile App or the eGovPH platform. It replaces the traditional paper-based OEC and integrates related processes, including contract verification, eligibility checks, and fee exemptions, into a single, convenient platform.

Key Changes & Benefits

The OFW Pass introduces several improvements over the traditional OEC system:

• Validity tied to employment contract: Unlike the old OEC, which is valid for only 60 days, the OFW Pass remains valid for the duration of the employment contract.
• Free for returning OFWs / rehires: Qualified returning workers do not need to pay for the OFW Pass.
• Digital QR code recognition at airports: Paper OEC printing is no longer required. The pass is recognised digitally at Philippine airports, streamlining departure.

Pilot and Implementation Status in UAE / Dubai

• Pilot test run: The OFW Pass was piloted in July 2023, including the UAE among ten countries.
• Full integration: The OEC is expected to be fully integrated into the OFW Travel Pass by early 2026.
• Transitional period: During this time, the traditional paper OEC may still be accepted in certain cases.

Who Qualifies for OFW Pass or Exemption vs Who Needs OEC

Understanding eligibility is crucial for knowing whether you can use the digital OFW Pass or still need the traditional OEC.

• Returning to the same employer and job site: OFWs in this category are generally eligible for the OFW Pass and may be exempted from applying for a paper OEC. This simplifies departure formalities for workers returning to familiar positions.
• Transferring to a new employer or changing job site: OFWs in this situation must undergo employment contract verification or complete the full OEC process to ensure compliance with POEA requirements.
• No previous POEA record or work visa converted from a tourist visa: First-time OFWs, or those whose work status has changed from a tourist visa, face stricter documentation requirements. Verification typically involves coordination with POEA or the regional office in Dubai.

In short, returning OFWs to the same employer benefit from the new digital system, while new hires, employer changers, or first-time workers may still need to follow the traditional OEC process.

Step-by-Step Process for Dubai-Based OFWs

Navigating the OFW Pass or OEC process in Dubai involves several key steps, from registration to exit clearance.

1. e-Registration & Getting an ERN (e-Registration Number)

Before applying for the OFW Pass, all OFWs must register on the DMW’s e-Registration system. This process provides an e-Registration Number (ERN) along with login credentials. The ERN is required to access the OFW Pass system.

Even before contract verification is completed, workers can upload or verify their employment visa status to prepare for the next steps. Completing e-registration early ensures a smoother application process.

2. Employment Contract Verification via MWO Dubai

As of May 1, 2025, Dubai-based OFWs have two options for contract verification:

• Online submission: Upload your employment contract for verification through the MWO system. Submission slots are limited and open weekly. If slots are full, requests may be declined until the next availability.
• Walk-in verification: Permitted under specific conditions, such as imminent flight departure or authorised representatives submitting on behalf of the worker.

Contract verification ensures that the OFW Pass can be activated and that all employer and job details comply with regulatory requirements.

3. Obtaining OFW Pass / OFW Travel Pass via DMW Mobile App / eGovPH

After e-registration and contract verification, the OFW can obtain the OFW Pass digitally:

• Download the DMW Mobile App or access the eGovPH platform.
• Register using your ERN, passport, visa, and employment contract details. Selfie verification is also required for identity confirmation.
• Once the employment contract is verified, the system updates your status (e.g., from red to green) and activates the OFW Pass.
• The OFW Pass QR code serves as the digital exit clearance at airports, replacing the paper OEC. It maintains previous fee exemptions and simplifies departure procedures.

4. If OEC is Still Required (for non-qualified cases)

Certain cases still require a traditional OEC, such as first-time OFWs, those transferring to a new employer, or changing job location:

• Appointment via POPS-BaM: Submit your request through the POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa.
• Prepare required documents: Verified employment contract, valid visa, passport, confirmed airline ticket, and a sworn statement if it is your first-time application or if you have no prior POEA record.
• Pay applicable fees: This may include OEC processing fees and OWWA membership renewal, which differ for Dubai-based OFWs.

Comparisons: OEC vs OFW Pass

Understanding the differences between the traditional OEC and the new OFW Pass helps OFWs know which process applies to them.

Documents and Requirements You Need

To secure an OFW Pass or OEC, Dubai-based OFWs should prepare the following:

• Valid passport – scanned copy of the ID page.
• Valid employment visa or Emirates ID – proving current employment status in the UAE.
• Verified employment contract – must be POEA or DMW approved where applicable.
• e-Registration Number (ERN) – obtained from the DMW online registration system.
• Confirmed airline ticket – required for cases where the traditional OEC is needed.
• Sworn statement – necessary for first-time applicants or those without a prior POEA record.
• Active OWWA membership – or payment of dues if expired (required in certain OEC cases).

Tips to Avoid Delays & Common Issues

To ensure a smooth OFW Pass or OEC process, consider the following tips:

• Start early – Contract verification may take several days, and app registration status can take 24-72 hours to update in some cases.
• Verify employer details – Ensure all employer information is correct in the system to avoid rejection.
• Keep digital copies – Save screenshots of your OFW Pass QR code before departure in case of internet issues at the airport.
• Use online document submission: submit documents through MWO to avoid queues, especially during peak periods.
• Stay updated – Regularly check notifications from DMW or MWO regarding pilot phases, system downtime, or policy changes.

Current Fees, Processing Time & Office Details in Dubai

Knowing the typical fees and processing times helps OFWs plan their OFW Pass or OEC application efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• The OFW Pass, also known as the Travel Pass, is gradually replacing the traditional paper OEC for many overseas Filipino workers, particularly those returning to the same employer and job site. 
• The pass is free for qualified OFWs and remains valid for the duration of the employment contract, rather than the previous fixed 60-day period. 
• Dubai-based workers must register with the DMW system to obtain an e-Registration Number (ERN), verify their employment contract through MWO, and use the mobile app to generate their digital pass. 
• For those changing employers or without a previous POEA record, the traditional OEC or contract verification through POEA or the regional office may still be required. 
• It is advisable to start the process early, take advantage of online verification options to avoid delays, and regularly check updates from DMW or MWO to ensure a smooth departure.

FAQs

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