GUIDELINES ON THE REGISTRATION OF

WORKER-ON-LEAVE / BALIK MANGGAGAWA

1. Who is a Worker-on-leave or Balik-Manggagawa?

A worker-on-leave (WOL) or Balik-Manggagawa (BM) shall refer to an overseas Filipino Worker

(OFW) who is on vacation or on leave and is returning to the same employer.

The following are also considered as WOL/BM :

• OFWs who will join / return to the same employer who has transferred to another jobsite;
• OFWs who have partially served their present employer;
• Undocumented OFWs (tourists, dependents, students, businessman) who became
OFWs and have partially served the same employer.

2. Who are not qualified to register as WOL/BM?

The following persons are not qualified to register as WOL/BM:

• Dependents of overseas workers

• Filipinos who are permanent residents of a foreign country. (They can avail of the
privilege of travel tax exemption for balik-bayan by applying at the Philippine Tourism
Authority)
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who changed jobsite and whose contracts have not
yet been served.

3. What does a WOL/BM need to do before going back to the jobsite?

A WOL/BM needs to register at POEA and secure a POEA travel exit clearance before leaving
the Philippines.

4. What is a POEA travel exit clearance?

It is a clearance issued by POEA to OFWs who exit from the Philippines for employment purpose.
OFWs with working visas/employment contracts will be allowed to leave the Philippines only if
they have a POEA travel exit clearance which comes in the following forms:

a. Overseas Employment Certificate(OEC) – issued in the different POEA

regional offices/regional extension units/satellite offices, POEA deputized OWWA
Offices and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices. It is also issued during manual
processing of BMs at the POEA Central Office.

b. E-receipt – issued for computerized processing at the POEA Central Office and
POEA Regional Offices. It is an integrated receipt for payments of POEA,
OWWA, and Philhealth fees.

c. Multiple Travel Exit Clearance(MTEC) The multiple travel exit clearance is a

set of two or more clearances issued to a worker-on-leave/Balik manggagawa for
use as an exit document within a period of twelve months from date of issuance.
It allows the worker-on-leave/balik manggagawa who exits from the Philippines
more than once in a period of twelve months to secure his exit clearance on a
one-time basis.
 All overseas Filipino workers leaving on employment visa / work or equivalent document
(such as no objection certificate [NOC], employment pass, gainful occupation permit, confirmation
of the right to labor activity, work visa guaranty) shall be required to secure an exit clearance
from the POEA or its deputized offices.

Filipino workers with overseas employment contracts but are issued visas other than
work / employment (such as: business and visit visa) for the purpose of facilitating the
mobilization, shall likewise be required to secure exit clearances from POEA or its deputized
offices (POEA Advisory No. 15, series of 2005).

5. What are the uses of a POEA travel exit clearance?

a. It serves as travel exit pass for OFWs at the airports .

b It serves as an exemption certificate from payment of Travel Tax and airport terminal fee upon
presentation to the airline counter and airport terminal fee counter;

c It serves as a worker’s guarantee that he is covered by government protection and benefits;

Pursuant to Section 35, Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act 1995 (Republic act
8042), OFWs shall be exempted from the payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee upon
presentation of the POEA exit clearance.

6. How can a WOL/BM avail of the travel tax exemption?

A WOL/BM can avail of the travel tax exemption by presenting a copy of the POEA travel
exit clearance to the airline company.

7. Where can a balik-mangagagawa secure a POEA travel exit clearance?

A worker-on-leave/Balik Manggagawa may secure a POEA exit clearance at the following

offices:

a. Balik Manggagawa Processing Division (BMPD) Service Area, POEA, Blas F. Ople (BFO)
Bldg.., Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City.

b. POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices (please
refer to the list below)

c. POEA-deputized OWWA Regional Offices and Units (please refer to list below)

d. Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in various Philippine Embassies and consulates
abroad (please refer to list below)

e. One Way Delivery System (Dropbox) at the POEA Central Office Service Area

f. On-line two-way delivery application at website: www.oecdelivery.com.ph

8. What is the on line (two-way ) application system for WOL/BM?

The on line (two-way) application system is a convenient and time-saving manner for the issuance
of the POEA travel exit clearance. With the new on-line process, a balik manggagawa may visit
the website www.oecdelivery.com.ph, fill up and submit on-line the OFW information sheet and
print said document. The printed information sheet has bar codes for easier uploading of
information to the POEA database. The WOL/BM need not go to POEA for application of travel
exit clearance.
9. How can I apply on line for my POEA travel exit clearance?

The procedure for on-line application for POEA travel exit clearance is as follows:

1. Log on to : www.oecdelivery.com.ph;
2. Select the “Apply Now” button to accomplish the on line OFW information sheet;
3. Select the “Submit” button and print the OFW information sheet on two sheets of long bond
paper;
4. Prepare photocopies of supporting documents as listed in page 2 of printed OFW info sheet
(such as passport and visa);
5. Submit printed OFW info sheet, supporting documents and fees to any 2Go Branch/Aboitiz
(nationwide);
6. Travel exit clearance (OEC) to be delivered to OFW. No need to go to POEA.

10. What is the one way - service delivery system (dropbox) for WOL/BM?

A BM walk-in applicant who do not want to go through the POEA queuing system may opt to
avail of the one-way service delivery system. The BM submits the OFW Info sheet, photocopies
of BM’s passport, visa, etc and prescribed fees to the Balikmanggagawa OEC Delivery Booth
located at the Balikmanggagawa Processing Division, POEA, Blas F. Ople Bldg., Ortigas Ave. cor
EDSA, City of Mandaluyong. The POEA travel exit clearance will be delivered to the BM/WOL
right at their doorstep.

11. What are the documents needed to get a POEA exit clearance
(e-receipt/OEC/MTEC)?

a. Valid passport;
b. Valid re-entry visa, work permit or any equivalent document;
c. Others:
- Any proof that OFW is returning to the same employer (such as :
company ID, employment certificate, pay slip, etc). for WOL/BMs with
newly issued documents and visas or if OFW has no record on file
at POEA.
- Copy of employment contract (for MTEC issuance)

12. What are the fees in securing the POEA travel exit clearance?

The prescribed fees are:

P 100.00 – POEA Processing Fee

P 900.00 – Philhealth Premium (payment valid for one year)
US$ 25.00 or its peso equivalent – OWWA Membership Fee (payment valid per contract
duration at a maximum of 2 years)

A Worker-on-Leave with valid OWWA membership and Philhealth coverage shall only pay Php
100.00 for issuance of travel exit clearance.

Service fees for the one way delivery and two way delivery system is paid by the WOL/BM to the
service provider.
13. How long will it take a WOL/BM to secure the POEA travel exit clearance?

a. Processing at the POEA Central Office takes a maximum of 20 minutes from the time
the worker is called to present his documents to the POEA evaluator up to the time
he is referred to the assessor and cashier for payment of the travel exit clearance;
WOL/BMs are, advised that there is a queuing system because of the volume of BMs
applying for the exit clearance at the POEA Central Office.
 b. For the one way delivery system/dropbox, the processing of documents is done
within the day. The exit clearance is delivered to the worker within 1-3 days
depending on the delivery zone;
c. For the two way delivery system, provided that all documents are in order, the exit
clearance is delivered to the applicant’s residence within three working days for
Metro Manila residents and five working days for non-Metro Manila residents.

14. What is the validity period of the POEA travel exit clearance?

a. The e-receipt and OEC are valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance;
b. The MTEC is valid for use as an exit document with a period of twelve months from date of
issuance.

15. In case of loss of the OEC/e-receipt/MTEC, can a WOL/BM apply for a replacement of the
lost POEA exit clearances?

No, there shall be no re-issuance for lost e-receipt / OEC/ MTEC. The respective processing units
shall instead issue a certification of the particulars of the processed exit clearance or a certified
true copy thereof. Said certification shall be presented to the Bureau of Immigration, Philippine
Tourism Authority and Airport Terminal Fee counter for travel exit purpose.

16. What can a WOL/BM do if the POEA exit clearance has already expired before his date of
departure?

An expired exit clearance shall be replaced upon submission of all the copies of the expired E-
Receipt/OEC and payment of processing fee of Php 100 for workers-on-leave.

However, if the e-receipt / OEC have already been submitted to the Airline and the e-receipt /
OEC numbers are already indicated in the airline ticket, the validity date shall be extended only
up to the date of the confirmed flight.

17. Can dependents of OFWs or BMs avail of travel tax exemptions?

Dependents of OFWs can avail of the Reduced Travel Tax only if they are proceeding to the
OFW’s jobsite. Dependents are qualified until their 21st birthday.

18. What are the requirements for reduced travel tax for dependents of OFWs?

a. Certified copy of POEA Travel Exit Clearance;

b. Passport of dependent;
c. Marriage contract;
d. Plane ticket;

19. Where can the certified copy of the POEA travel exit clearance be secured?

The certified copy of the POEA travel exit clearance may be secured from the POEA Records
Division, BalikManggagawa Processing Division, Regional Offices, POLOs and other authorized
Offices which issued the travel exit clearance of the BM

20. What is the procedure to avail of reduced travel tax for OFW dependents?

• File all the requirements at the Philippine Tourism Authority for issuance of a Reduced
Travel Tax Certificate (RTTC);
 • If the plane ticket was purchased abroad, the requirements may be presented at the PTA,
Airport or the PTA main office, with address at :

Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)

Revenue Department, Travel Tax Division,
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
G/F 117. DOT Bldg., T.M. Kalaw, Manila.

21. What are the basic OFW documents that a WOL/BM should bring to the airport before
departure from the Philippines:

a. Valid Passport
b. POEA Travel exit clearance (OEC/e-receipt/MTEC) which should be presented to the
following:
• Airline check-in counter.
• Airport terminal fee counter to avail of the exemption from payment of terminal
fee;
• Bureau of Immigration counter.

POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices:

LA UNION POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR LUZON BACOLOD CITY SATELLITE OFFICE
nd nd
2 Floor, LZK-Zamboanga Bldg., Quezon Avenue 2 Floor, UTC Bldg., Araneta Alunan St.,
City of San Fernando, La Union Singcang Bacolod City
Telefax No. (072) 242-5608 / 700-4236 Telefax No. (034) 434-7391

BAGUIO CITY REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT-CAR
Benitez Court Compound, Magsaysay Avenue,
Baguio City
Telefax No. (074) 442-9478 / 445-4209
POEA SATELLITE OFFICE-TUGUEGARAO
rd
3 Floor Sychangco Bldg., Bonifacio St.,
Tuguegarao City
Telefax (078) 844-3076
PAMPANGA POEA SATELLITE – REGION III
One Stop Clark Processing for OFW Claro M. Recto,
Pampanga
Fax No. (045) 893-4152
CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA SATELLITE OFFICE-REGION IV
No. 4 Penthouse, Hectan Commercial Center,
Chipeco Avenue, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City
4027 Laguna
Telefax No. (049) 834-7974
LEGASPI CITY POEA SATELLITE OFFICE-REGION V
Vista Al Mayon Compound, OWWA RU 5
Washington Drive, Legaspi City
Telefax No. (052) 820-4890
TACLOBAN CITY POEA POEA SATTELITE OFFICE
DOLE Compound, Trece Martirez, Tacloban City
Telefax No. (053) 321-7134
DAVAO CITY POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR MINDANAO
nd
2 Floor, AMYA II Bldg., Quimpo Blvd cor. Tulip O Drive
Ecoland, Davao City
Telefax No (082) 297-7429 / 297-7650
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY POEA REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT – REGION X
Ground Floor, Trinidad Bldg., Corrales Avenue
Cagayan de Oro City
Telefax No. (08822) 724-824
ZAMBOANGA CITY POEA REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT – REGION IX
Unit 3 Dona Pura Bldg., Metrogate Corp.
Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City
Telefax No. (062) 992-5523
BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI ONE STOP PROCESSING CENTER
Initiative for Tawi-Tawi Area Development Foundation Bldg.,
Old Housing Proj., Bongao , Tawi-Tawi
(062) 268-1309

CEBU CITY REGIONAL CENTER FOR VISAYAS

Mezzanine Floor, LDM Bldg. MJ Cuenco Avenue cor.
Legaspi St., Cebu City
Fax (032) 256-0435 / 412-2939 / 2949
**POEA-DEPUTIZED OWWA REGIONALOFFICES AND UNITS

OWWA REGIONAL UNIT ILOILO CITYCITY

ILOILO REGIONAL
REGIONAL EXT.EXTENSION
UNIT
nd
Caraga 44 J. C Quirino Avenue, 8600 Butuan City Region VI, 2 Floor, S C Divina Gracia Bldg.,
Quezon Street , Iloilo City
DOLE REGION 12 Telefax No. (033) 335-1058 / 336-8611
102 Acepal Bldg., Mabini Extension Koronadal City
(083) 228-2190 / 228-4920
OWWA CARAGA
Door 2 Nimfa Tiv Bldg., II J.P. Rosales Avenue,
Butuan City
(085) 342-6178 / 225-5989

***Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLOs ) in different jobsites:

Bahrain London Brunei

Washington, USA Toronto, Canada Jeddah, KSA
Greece Lebanon Hong Kong
Malaysia Macau Oman
Israel Rome/Milan, Italy Qatar
Libya Tokyo, Japan Singapore
Madrid Kuwait Dubai/AbuDhabi
South Korea Taipei/Kaoshong/ Taichung Saipan
Geneva Jordan Riyadh, KSA