Leaving the Philippines to work: DMW and OEC
This page describes Philippine rules, which we could only partly verify. The DMW website did not load when we checked. What is italic is unconfirmed. Ask the DMW before you rely on it.
DMW
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the Philippine agency for overseas employment; it took over the tasks of the former POEA. Its website is dmw.gov.ph. The BA page on Triple Win confirms the DMW's role: DMW fee, OWWA contribution, contract signing and pre-flight briefing, see Triple Win.
Ways to be hired
| Way | In short |
|---|---|
| Government-to-government (G2G) | The DMW hires directly with a foreign government body. Example: Triple Win with the German BA-ZAV. Apply only through the DMW address [email protected]. |
| Private recruitment agency | The agency must be licensed by the DMW. Check the agency in the DMW list of licensed agencies before you pay or sign. Rules on fees for healthcare workers going to Germany: not confirmed. |
| Direct hire (you find the employer yourself) | Philippine rules for direct hires and their DMW processing: not verified here. Ask the DMW. |
OEC / OFW Pass
- The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) has been the DMW's exit clearance for departing workers. News reports from September 2025 say the DMW introduced a digital "OFW Pass" (eGovPH app), reportedly free of charge, so far only for returning workers (Balik Manggagawa), and that first-time departees still need the OEC. We found no official DMW text; ask the DMW which document you need for a first departure to Germany.
- Do not enter on a tourist visa planning to "convert" to a work permit; see Visa application.
Before departure
- Pre-departure seminar (OWWA) and medical exam as part of Triple Win.
- Passport, NBI clearance, notarised diplomas: Documents.
- If a recruiter asks for money, read Avoiding scams.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.