‘Get OEC on weekdays to avoid long lines’

Newyly-arrived Assistant Labor Attache Angelica Sunga helps in the issuance of OECs at the POLO office in Wan Chai.

LABOR Attache Jalilo Dela Torre is urging overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong to get their overseas employment certificates (OECs) on weekdays to avoid the long lines on weekends.

Dela Torre said it was the “peak season” for OEC applications and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office had assigned three windows to serve applicants.

“It’s now peaking and many are walk-ins. So, we ask them about their departure date and, if it is still far off, we tell them to come back later,” he said in an interview.

“Three days before the flight, that’s okay. We consider that as an emergency,” he added.

Dela Torre said the lines are long particularly on Sunday mornings and so it would be better for an applicant to visit the POLO some other time.

“We encourage them to come on weekdays because of the situation on weekends, especially on Sunday morning…So, come after lunch. Sunday afternoon is fine and weekdays,” he said.