OEC for OFWs in Saudi Arabia: How to Get or Be Exempt
Quick answer
Company workers in Saudi Arabia whose contract was already verified, and who go home on vacation and return to the same employer, position and jobsite, can get their OEC exemption online through the DMW E-Registration platform, for free. Household service workers (domestic workers, family drivers and similar) who go home at the end of their 2-year contract must first have the renewed contract verified at their Migrant Workers Office (MWO). So must anyone who changed employer, position or jobsite.
What are the requirements?
Each MWO sets its own list for contract verification. Ask MWO Riyadh by email (mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph) for the full list before your visit. Have these ready:
- A copy of your valid passport and iqama.
- Your renewed or new contract.
The online exemption steps are in our OEC and OEC exemption guide.
How do you apply, step by step?
Online
1. Register or log in at DMW Online Services and click "Let's Go" under E-Registration
2. Choose Balik-Manggagawa
The system checks if you are exempt.
3. If you are, print or save the exemption
You can also use the OFW Pass in the DMW Mobile App.
Walk-in
1. Contact your MWO by email or hotline to book a slot
2. Bring your documents and pay the verification fee
3. Once your contract is verified, print your OEC from the online system
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OEC or exemption for a returning worker | PHP 0 | Free since 29 July 2023 |
How long does it take?
The exemption shows as soon as the system finds your record. A paper OEC is valid for 60 days and for one exit only; the OFW Travel Pass in eGovPH is valid for 90 days from issue and can be renewed in the app. Book your MWO visit well before your flight, because slots can fill up.
Where to go
- MWO Riyadh: 3267 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al Mutamarat, Riyadh 12711. Hotline +966 50 285 0944.
- MWO Eastern Region Operations (Al Khobar): hotline +966 56 232 9926 (mwo_alkhobar@dmw.gov.ph).
- MWO Jeddah: Fajr Street, Al-Rehab, Jeddah. Email: mwo_jeddah@dmw.gov.ph.
Each MWO serves only its own area. If you live in the Eastern Province or the western region, MWO Riyadh cannot process your papers.
Frequently asked questions
I am a domestic worker going home after 2 years. Can I use the online exemption?
Not right away. Your renewed contract must first be verified at the MWO for your area. After that you can print your OEC online.
I forgot my DMW E-Registration login. What do I do?
Ask the MWO for your area for help, by email or hotline. In Riyadh, write to mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph.
Someone is selling MWO appointment slots. Is that allowed?
Do not pay anyone for an MWO slot. Book only through the MWO itself, and report slot sellers to MWO Riyadh by email at mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph or on its hotline.
Can the Embassy renew my passport and give my OEC at the same time?
No. Passports are handled by the Embassy or Consulate; OECs are handled by DMW and the MWOs.
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