PHL Embassy in Singapore imposes limits on OEC applications

Citing the safety and security of applicants, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore is imposing a quota on the number of applicants for Overseas Employment Certificates (OES).   The Embassy said the quota will apply to the number of OEC applicants received at the Embassy and the Embassy’s OEC extension service at Lucky Plaza on Jan. 15 and 22.   “Only 150 OEC applications will be accepted at the Embassy’s OEC extension service at Lucky Plaza on the above dates,” it said.   The embassy also advised applicants to schedule their visits to the Embassy from Monday to Thursday and in advance of their planned travel dates, “to avoid inconvenience in obtaining necessary documents during peak travel periods such as Chinese New Year.”   It also said the applications will be processed according to the following schedule:   Application Nos. 001-075: 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Application Nos. 076-150: 1:30 P.M. onwards   Likewise, on the two dates, only 800 OEC queue numbers and 400 OWWA queue numbers will be issued at the Embassy, and will be processed according to the following schedule:   Queue Nos. 001-200: 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. Queue Nos. 201-400: 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Queue Nos. 401-600: 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Queue Nos. 601-800: 3:00 P.M. onwards   “Applicants without queue numbers, or with queue numbers that are not yet scheduled for processing, will be restricted from entering the Embassy to prevent overcrowding,” the Embassy said.   It also reminded applicants to refrain from bringing companions, to avoid further congestion of its public waiting areas. It added it reserves the right to restrict the entry of non-applicants.   To further facilitate the speedy processing of OECs, applicants are reminded to ensure that their documentary requirements are complete and in order.   A list of requirements for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration membership and OECs are available at http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/labor/owwa/ and http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/labor/oec/ respectively.   The necessary forms may be downloaded and printed out ahead of time from http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/forms/ under “Labor Forms,” the Embassy said.   An OEC is a requirement under Philippine Overseas Employment Administration rules to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.   Only OFWs are required to get an OEC. OFWs would include: work permit holders such as domestic helpers, as well as S-pass and E-pass holders.   “Used OEC, whether regular or multiple, is a requirement to be submitted to the Department of Tourism to avail travel tax reduction for OFW dependents,” the embassy added. - GMA News