If you’re planning to work abroad or you’re an employer looking to hire Filipino talent, you’ve probably heard the terms “DMW accreditation” and “OEC” thrown around a lot. But what do they actually mean—and why are they so important?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is DMW Accreditation?
DMW stands for the Department of Migrant Workers, the Philippine government agency that regulates overseas employment.
If a foreign company wants to hire Filipino workers, they must be accredited by the DMW.
In short:
> DMW Accreditation = Legal Permission to Hire from the Philippines
To get accredited, a foreign employer must partner with a licensed Philippine recruitment agency (like GROW), submit business documents, employment contracts, and go through a verification process with the Philippine Labor Office (POLO) abroad.
Once approved, they can start issuing Job Orders, and your agency can begin deploying workers.
What Is an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)?
The OEC is your golden ticket to leave the Philippines as an overseas worker.
It proves that:
You were hired legally
Your employer is DMW-accredited
You have a verified contract
You’re registered under the Philippine government’s protection system
Without an OEC, you will not be allowed to depart from the airport—even if your visa and job offer are complete.
Who Needs an OEC?
Everyone who plans to work abroad, including:
New hires
Re-hires (Balik-Manggagawa)
Direct hires (with exemptions)
Workers under government-to-government programs
If you’re going out of the country for work, and not for tourism, you need an OEC.
Why These Matter
These processes may seem tedious—but they exist to protect workers and ensure employers meet labor standards.
Without DMW accreditation and OEC:
You can’t deploy workers legally
The worker isn’t covered by POLO or OWWA protection
Both employer and agency could face legal penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work abroad without an OEC if I already have a visa and contract?
A: No. Even if your employer abroad has issued your visa and contract, the Philippine government still requires an OEC for you to depart legally.
You could be offloaded at immigration without it.
Q: I got hired directly—do I still need DMW processing?
A: Yes. If you fall under the Direct Hire Exemption Rule (i.e., your employer is hiring fewer than 5 Filipinos), you’ll still need to go through the DMW process. This includes document verification, POLO endorsement, and OEC issuance.
Q: Can I process my OEC abroad?
A: Yes. If you’re already overseas and switching to a work status (e.g., student to worker, tourist to work visa), you can process your OEC through the nearest MWO (formerly POLO) office in your country of residence.
Q: Can foreign employers apply for DMW accreditation without a Philippine agency?
A: No. DMW requires that all foreign employers go through a licensed Philippine recruitment agency.
This is to ensure accountability, proper documentation, and protection for the worker.
How GROW Can Help
We make the process smooth, transparent, and legal.
As a dual-licensed agency under both DMW and DOLE, we:
Assist employers with full DMW accreditation
Guide Filipino workers in getting their OECs
Ensure contracts are compliant and properly verified
No placement fee. No shortcuts. No confusion. Just proper guidance.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’re one message away:
👉 www.growinc.net/contact
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