DMW/POEA Guide 2026 — OEC, Licensed Agencies & Deployment

The OEC (formerly e-Receipt) is your mandatory exit clearance to work abroad. No OFW can depart the Philippines for overseas employment without a valid OEC.

How to Get Your OEC:

1. New OFWs (first deployment): OEC is processed automatically as part of your deployment through the recruitment agency and DMW
2. Direct hires / returning OFWs: Apply through BM Online (bmonline.dmw.gov.ph)
3. Balik-Manggagawa (returning workers): Process OEC online through BM Online before departure

BM Online Process:

1. Register at bmonline.dmw.gov.ph
2. Fill in employment details (employer, contract, salary)
3. Upload supporting documents
4. Pay the processing fee (PHP 100)
5. Receive OEC electronically or print at DMW office

Before applying with any recruitment agency, verify their licence:

• Visit the DMW website and search the Licensed Agency Database
• Check if the agency licence is current (not suspended/cancelled)
• Verify the specific job order they claim to have
• Ask for their DMW licence number and verify it

Red Flags (Possible Illegal Recruitment):

• Agency charges more than 1 month salary as placement fee
• Agency operates from a residential address
• Promise of guaranteed placement with high salary
• No DMW licence or expired licence
• Requires you to invest money or attend paid training
• Asks for your passport and does not return it

• OFW Guide
• OWWA Membership
• TESDA Courses
• Remittance Guide