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Filipino job certificate goes online

Abu Dhabi - According to the Philippine labour attaché attorney Ophelia Almenario, the e-system has not only shortened the queue at the POLO-OWWA.

Waiting time for the application of overseas employment certificate (OEC) for Filipinos in the Capital has been drastically reduced with the implementation of the online processing system in June.
According to the Philippine labour attaché attorney Ophelia Almenario, the e-system has not only shortened the queue at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA), it has also allowed her office to efficiently utilise staff who used to hand out forms to be filled-in by waiting applicants.
Previously, application for the OEC or Balik-Manggagawa (returning employee) certificate was carried out on a first-come-first-served basis. During peak months such as March and December, applicants would start queuing up as early as 4am.
"With the new system, applicants need not line-up anymore. They can select the day and time convenient for them - saving on their resources - and they'll be served immediately," said Almenario.
Handwritten forms have been discarded as this is now done electronically with the print-out copy presented for processing. The applicant has the option to pay the Dh10 fee online or on site. In addition, Pag-Ibig payment is not linked with OEC processing anymore.
Almenario said the web-based facility is designed to enable applicants to print out their Balik-Manggagawa certificate in future.
Reduced processing time
According to Ali Pascan, administration assistant, the e-system has reduced his processing time to three minutes from six.
Ailyn Sinsuat, a hospital cleaner, who is going on holiday next week has tried the online process.
"It was very easy to use. As long as you know how to type there should be no problem. When I went home in May last year, I had to wait for a long time. This time with the appointment system, I was served immediately," said Sinsuat.
Reymund Arguelles, who works as a cook, is going on vacation for the first time after three years. He said he has not heard of the new system and just walked-in but has been assisted onsite nonetheless. "It still didn't take me long. I spent about six minutes here in total," he said.
Alvin John Lazaro, came all the way from Ruwais. He said he has not used the online application since his passport needs to be renewed. The e-system requires the passport to be valid for at least six months.
Pascan said once applicants come in, it takes them around 20 minutes to complete their transactions.
Household workers
Almenario said she hopes to get every Filipino worker to make use of the online service.
"We are hoping that within this year, even our household workers will take advantage of the new system. We encourage them because it's really convenient," she urged.
Around 300 OEC applications were processed daily at POLO-OWWA. During peak season, this number would rise to over 400. Almenario hopes to cut-down or eliminate walk-ins in future.
Filipinos who are going on holiday to the Philippines and returning to the same employer/job site can register online at www.bmonline.ph.
olivia@khaleejtimes.com