What do I need to know before taking a vacation?
When can I apply for a holiday leave?
You can apply for a holiday once you have 1 year employment or during shutdown period or when business is slow.
Can I apply for a vacation even if I don’t have 1 year employment yet?
It will depend on your employer. Some employers allow their workers to take holidays even if they don’t have 1 year of employment yet.
Can I travel outside Australia?
Yes if your visa allows you and your employer approves your leave application.
What visa category does not allow an OFW to travel outside Australia?
When you are a Bridging Visa holder without travel rights, you will need to secure a document that allows you to travel outside Australia and legally return.
What will happen If I travel out of Australia without travel rights?
Your bridging visa will be void and you will not be allowed entry to Australia
What documents do I need to secure in the Philippines before arriving and returning returning to Australia?
Apart from visa and leave approval, you will need to complete your etravel application before your arrival and departure at the Philippine airport and apply for Balik Manggagawa (BM) OEC at Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) website
Where do I get the etravel Form?
Download etravel Pass at eTravel - Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System. You will need to do this twice - upon entry and exit at Philippine airport.
How do I apply for a Balik Manggagawa - Overseas Employment Certificate (BM OEC)?
Go to the DMW website POEAOnlineServices Click on Let’s Go and Log in to your account.
How Do I fill up my BM-OEC?
The start or commencement date is when were deployed the first time
The contract duration is 12 months
The position and employer is based on your first OEC
The agency name is blank, you do not need to answer this as you are now a Balik Manggawa
What if I changed my employer, can I get a BM OEC?
You should schedule an appointment with DMW office near your area and present your original employment contract as verified by MWO for the BM-OEC processing.