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Frequently Asked Questions
Compilation of Frequently Asked Questions concerning OFWs
Q: What are the POEA requirements once I have secured a work visa from a foreign country?
A: POEA says: The requirements are: Passport, work visa or visa assurance, employment contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country of destination, and plane ticket or pre-paid ticket advice. You are also required to pay OWWA membership fee, Medicare, and Processing Fees. These fees are: (If you are a name-hired worker)
OWWA membership Fee: US$25 or its peso equivalent
OWWA Medicare: P900.00
POEA Processing Fee: US$100 or its peso equivalent
Q: I am coming back to the Philippines for a month vacation and after which I will be going back to my employer. What are the POEA requirements?
A: POEA says: As a returning Overseas Filipino Worker or Balik-manggagawa, you must secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the POEA Balik-Manggagawa Processing division, Regional centers or Satellite offices and Philippine Overseas Labor offices. Having completed all the requirements, you are exempted from Travel Tax and airport Terminal Fee.
Q: Can I sue my employer abroad for unfair dismissal? Where can I file the case?
A: POEA says: Yes, you may sue. You can file your claims such as unpaid wages, breach of contract, and illegal or unfair dismissal at the Migrant Workers Desk of the National Labor Relations Commission in Quezon City or in NLRC's Regional Arbitration branch in the region you reside.
Q: What is the legal placement fee to be collected by my recruitment agency?
A: POEA says: The legal placement fee to be collected by licensed recruitment agencies from applicants for overseas jobs must be equivalent to one month salary of the worker as stipulated in the employment contract. The amount however, does not include documentation and processing costs. Documentation costs include: Fees for passport, NBI/Police clearance, medical examinations, Medical premium, trade tests, authentication, and birth certificate. Processing costs include: visa, POEA processing fee, and OWWA membership fee to be paid by the employer.
Q: What is OWWA Medicare Program provides?
A: OWWA says: The Medical Care Program for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) provides medical assistance and hospitalization benefits to OFWs and their dependents. Created under Executive Order 195 dated 13 August 1994, it is administered by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).
Q: I am an active Medicare member and my dependents. What are the free medical services I can avail?
A: OWWA says: The following Medical Services are FREE to active Medicare Members and their dependents: Consultation, Lab Examination and Routine, Health Education, and Counseling.
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