Philippine Overseas and Employment Authority (POEA) releases a new advisory on launching of the new BM Online System replacing the old BM Online system. This new web-based processing system was launched and implemented effective 30 June 2021.

UPDATE: The POEA is now called Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as mandated by Republic Act No. 11641.

The official name of the new system is POEA Online Processing System for Balik Mangagawa (POPS-BaM) which incorporated the general functionality of the current BM Online System but now uses in-house developed program and addresses the most pertinent problems, bugs and error of the old system.

With this new advisory, BM workers are directed to transfer their existing records under the old BM Online System and transfer them to the new POPS-BaM. 

Once the old records have been successfully transferred, POPS-BaM can generate an OEC Exemption to BM Workers returning to the same employer. If the BM Worker will change employer and/or jobsites, the same shall be directed to set an online appointment in order to document the changes in employment data. The system has a built-in feature in the appointment module that helps those who are unable to proceed to avail an OEC Exemption, for the following concerns:

1. Change of employer and/or jobsite;
2. Undocumented worker (i.e. status is from tourist to OFW, or dependent to OFW, or student to OFW, etc);
3. Worker or employer is under watchlist;
4. OFW is returning to restricted or non-compliant country;
5. Job position is in the list of Mission Critical Skills

1) To register a new account or login using the username from the old BM Online website, go to https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx Under the e-Registration, click the Let’s Go button.

2) A new tab will open. Click the Registerbutton to start to open a new account or log using your username from the old BM Online system. If you login credentials is not working, you can open a new account instead.

3) Complete the registration and activation of your account to open your new POEA online account. Here is a guide that you can follow:

4) Login to your account again using your newly created password. Once you have successfully logged-in, the main dashboard of your account will appear.

On the dashboard, you must attach a profile picture and upload a copy of your passport(1st page) to add it on your profile.

To complete your profile, on the left menu, click the My Profile tab. Enter your personal information, complete address, and Mother’s maiden name.

In addition, for identifications, you can your Passport details and other government ID that is available. And click Add Beneficiary button to add your family members as beneficiaries.

Then, click the Update Profile button on the upper right corner to save changes.

To transfer your Old BM Records to New Portal. You must transfer it after 2 hours making your Account.

5) Now, to apply for OEC or OEC Exemption, click the Balik Mangagawa tab on the right side menu of the dashboard.

6) As an initial assessment, passport details and list of beneficiary must be updated. If these details are not yet complete, go back to the Home page and go to My Profile tab (left side menu) and update your passport details and enter the name and details of your beneficiaries.

Once the two data becomes available (green color), you can now click the Next button.

7) Enter your flight date in dd/mm/yyyy format. This flight date, is the date of your departure from Manila or any Philippine airport going to your country destination.

Take note of the reminders on applying for OEC:

• Make sure that you have a valid work visa/work permit and passport valid at least six months from your intended departure
• Your departure date must be within 60 days from the issuance of your OEC
• The OEC/Exemption is intended for single exit only

Then, click the Next button for the next step.

8) On this step, it will show the existing contract that you have in the system. If you are returning to the same country and employer, answer the questions that appear at the bottom of the page.

9) If you answer “Yes” on all questions, that is, returning to the same employer and country, your OEC details will be displayed. If you want a copy, click the Print OEC button and a PDF copy of your OEC will be available to be saved or printed.

If you have related concerns and inquiries, you can create a ticket using the POEA Helpdesk in POEA Online Services portal.

If you have related concerns and inquiries, aside from POEA/DMW Helpdesk online, you may contact POEA/DMW via the following:

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph
Hotlines: 8-722-1144, 8-722-1155
Email: connect@dmw.gov.ph

You can also read the FAQs related to Balik-Manggagawa (BM), https://www.dmw.gov.ph/faqs

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said that job seekers are not required to pay the placement fee for some jobs being offered abroad, according to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the zero placement fee is applicable for jobs made available under a government-to-government agreement with some foreign countries.

Olalia said the government is looking at employment opportunities that will soon be available in “emerging markets” such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Romania, Croatia, and Hungary.

“Ang Israel ay nagsimula nang mag hire ng ating hotel workers… yung sa Australia isa itong another labor agreement pertaining to healthcare workers. According to them, mahigit isang libong healthcare workers ang kakailanganin natin,” he said.

(Israel started hiring our hotel workers… we have a labor agreement with  Australia pertaining to healthcare workers. This will need more than a thousand healthcare workers.)

“Magpapadala rin ang bansang Pilipinas ng mga skilled and professionals natin papuntang Canada,” he added.

(The Philippines will also send our skilled workers and professionals to Canada.)

At the POEA office, several Filipinos bound for abroad were seen preparing for their requirements.

One of them was Frederick Bautista, who will return to South Korea as a worker in a furniture company.

Bautista was unemployed for a year due to the pandemic. But in June, his employer processed his application.

“Medyo malaki-laki po ang sinasahod ko sa ibang bansa. Para sa pamilya at kinabuksan ng mga anak ko.”

(I earn quite a lot abroad. This is for my family and the future of my children.)

Nurse Cyrell Anne de Leon is processing her document to go to Saudi Arabia.

De Leon said he does not want to be separated from her three children, but she has no other choice.

“Para sa future ng mga bata. Ang anak ko tatlo na at lumalaki na,” she said.

(This is for the future of my kids. I have three kids and they’re growing up.)

POEA said job opportunities abroad are opening up as more countries relax their COVID-19 restrictions.

Some of the jobs needed abroad are healthcare workers, factory workers, hotel staff, transportation and aviation staff.

The POEA, meanwhile, advised the public to always check their website for job openings overseas.

It also urged Filipinos to get training and upgrade their skills.

“Katuwang po ng departamento namin ang TESDA para sa patuloy na empowerment through the skills of our OFWs,” Olialia said.

(Our department is partnering with TESDA for the continuing skills empowerment of our OFWs.)—Mel Matthew Doctor/LDF, GMA News

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said that job seekers are not required to pay the placement fee for some jobs being offered abroad, according to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the zero placement fee is applicable for jobs made available under a government-to-government agreement with some foreign countries.

Olalia said the government is looking at employment opportunities that will soon be available in “emerging markets” such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Romania, Croatia, and Hungary.

“Ang Israel ay nagsimula nang mag hire ng ating hotel workers… yung sa Australia isa itong another labor agreement pertaining to healthcare workers. According to them, mahigit isang libong healthcare workers ang kakailanganin natin,” he said.

(Israel started hiring our hotel workers… we have a labor agreement with  Australia pertaining to healthcare workers. This will need more than a thousand healthcare workers.)

“Magpapadala rin ang bansang Pilipinas ng mga skilled and professionals natin papuntang Canada,” he added.

(The Philippines will also send our skilled workers and professionals to Canada.)

At the POEA office, several Filipinos bound for abroad were seen preparing for their requirements.

One of them was Frederick Bautista, who will return to South Korea as a worker in a furniture company.

Bautista was unemployed for a year due to the pandemic. But in June, his employer processed his application.

“Medyo malaki-laki po ang sinasahod ko sa ibang bansa. Para sa pamilya at kinabuksan ng mga anak ko.”

(I earn quite a lot abroad. This is for my family and the future of my children.)

Nurse Cyrell Anne de Leon is processing her document to go to Saudi Arabia.

De Leon said he does not want to be separated from her three children, but she has no other choice.

“Para sa future ng mga bata. Ang anak ko tatlo na at lumalaki na,” she said.

(This is for the future of my kids. I have three kids and they’re growing up.)

POEA said job opportunities abroad are opening up as more countries relax their COVID-19 restrictions.

Some of the jobs needed abroad are healthcare workers, factory workers, hotel staff, transportation and aviation staff.

The POEA, meanwhile, advised the public to always check their website for job openings overseas.

It also urged Filipinos to get training and upgrade their skills.

“Katuwang po ng departamento namin ang TESDA para sa patuloy na empowerment through the skills of our OFWs,” Olialia said.

(Our department is partnering with TESDA for the continuing skills empowerment of our OFWs.)—Mel Matthew Doctor/LDF, GMA News