Have you been hired for work by a foreign company abroad? Is it their first time, and they don’t have an agent? Do you want to go out of the country without hassle? Well, you need to have clearance from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Here’s a Step by Step Guide for “Direct Hire” Filipinos planning to Work Abroad.

According to the Philippine Labor Code, there is a Direct Hire Ban for Filipino workers abroad, but there are some exemptions, too. Usually, OFWs are employed through a licensed recruitment agency; however, in some cases, you can skip it and apply by yourself. Read more below!

Other Articles You can Read:

Who Can Directly Hire Filipino Workers?

The following can directly hire as per the Philippine Labor Code and RA 10002

Members of Diplomatic Corps
Internationational Organization – e.g., UN, ASEAN
Heads of State and Government Officials – that are at least deputy ministers
Other employers:
- Those mentioned above with lower ranks but are endorsed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Head of Mission.
- Professionals and skilled workers with authenticated contracts. The OFWs hired for the first time shall be a maximum of 5.
- Workers hired by relatives or family members who are permanent residents of another country (except domestic workers)

Requirements For Direct Hire Filipinos For Professional And Skilled Workers

Phase 1

Please have a photocopy of your documents and arrange them in a folder.

1. Valid Passport – at least one year valid

2. Valid Work Visa, Entry, or Work Permit – depending on the country, in case the employer issues the visa assurance or guarantee, it should also be acknowledged by the Government or Immigration on the job site

3. Employment Contract – original

Verified by POLO
Authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate for countries with no POLO
Apostille with POLO Verification
Apostille with Philippine Embassy Acknowledgement

Here’s a guide on how to get your Documents Authenticated in the Philippines thru Apostille with DFA.

4. Company Profile, Business License, or Commercial Registration of the Employer

5. POLO Endorsement Letter – addressed to the Administrator stating that you are seeking exemption from the direct hire ban

6. Additional Requirements depending on the country

Canada – can be Labor Market Opinion, Labor Market Impact Assessment, Canadian Letter and Employer’s Certificate of Registration, Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program Approval.
USA – Labor Condition Application and Notice of Action
The Middle East and African Countries – Contingency Plan

7. Additional Documents to Support Job Application

Self-Employed - Certificate of Employment from previous work or Business Permit
For graduates
- Diploma and/or Transcript of Records or FORM 137
- NC II
- PRC License
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Apostille the TOR, COE, and other certificates

8. Notarized Statement - On how the worker has secured employment, included a copy of employer passport/ID with contract details

Phase 2

When Phase 1 is done after you receive a notice

1. E-Registration

2. Valid Medical Certificate – you’ll need to have a medical exam from a DOH-accredited clinic; you can also use the medical certificate if you passed one for a work visa or permit

3. Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar – you can have an online seminar here

4. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar – by OWWA

5. POEA Clearance – for employers

6. Proof of Certificate of Insurance Coverage

Step-by-Step Guide For Direct Hire Filipinos

STEP 1: Contact the POEA Main Office or its Regional Centers with regards to your issue. They have a Direct Hire Assistance Division – 722-11-60 or through e-mail at DirecthirePhase1Eva@poea.gov.ph.

You can state your name, position, employer, work details, and some supporting documents and tell your situation. Ask if the Direct Hire course is right for your or if you need an agency instead. Sayang naman yung effort mo to collect the documents and follow this guide pero iba-pala yung process at may difference sa requirements.

STEP 2: If you are considered or allowed for the direct hire process, you can start collecting the Phase 1 documents.

STEP 3: Once you have gathered it all, e-mail DirecthirePhase1Eva@poea.gov.ph for an appointment. It’s better to request from 8 – 11 AM, Mondays to Fridays. You’ll get an appointment confirmation. Please don’t forget to print it.

STEP 4: Go to the POEA office on your appointment date with the documents and e-mail appointment. You’ll need to get a queue from the guard and submit them at the correct window. Verification will take time. Once you are done, the officer will tell you if you are qualified or not. If you are qualified, your application will be off to DOLE; if not, you’ll need to go through an agency.

STEP 5: Check the POEA Website if your name is there. If you are already there, please prepare for Phase 2.

STEP 6: Gather all your documents for phase 2. You can e-mail DirecthirePhase2Eva@poea.gov.ph for an appointment.

STEP 7: Go back to the POEA office on your appointment date with the documents and e-mail appointment. Submit your requirements to the correct window. You will then be evaluated if everything is in order.

STEP 8: Once you are done, you will be then asked to pay OEC Fees which are below:

USD 100 in Peso Equivalent – POEA Processing Fee
USD 25 in Peso Equivalent – OWWA Processing Fee
PAG-IBIG Contribution
PhilHealth Contribution

STEP 9: You can then wait for your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate); processing might take one day to 64 hours.

STEP 10: Once you have an OEC, you can then go abroad. Take note that it has 60 days validity from the issuance date and can only be used once.

This article is dedicated to “Direct Hire” Filipinos who have been given an opportunity to work abroad and are gathering their documents to go out of the country. Our immigration and POEA are pretty strict regarding this as they don’t want their kababayans to be exploited, especially those who don’t have correct papers. It may take time and a bit of a hassle, but this can guarantee your safety and a proper exit.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.