Additional Requirements for Filipinos travelling from the Philippines to New Zealand

OEC Application Process for New Zealand Employers

The OEC, which can only be applied for following approval of the workers’ New Zealand work visa, involves the following:

For Employers with 5 or More Filipino Hires

If a New Zealand employer has previously hired five or more Filipino workers, they must become accredited under the POEA. This accreditation process can only be completed through a POEA accredited agency in the Philippines and typically lasts four years. Note: This is separate from Immigration New Zealand Employer Accreditation.

For Employers with Fewer Than 5 Filipino Hires

Employers who have not yet hired five Filipino workers may qualify for an exemption from POEA accreditation. This exemption is obtained by submitting a signed employment contract and other documents to the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Wellington.

Employer Responsibilities

New Zealand-based employers must cover:

• POEA agency fees (if applicable)
• New Zealand visa fees for the worker (including INZ application and adviser/lawyer fees)
• Airfares to New Zealand
• Practical settlement support in New Zealand

Employers need to appreciate the above significant costs, and the additional time involved, when considering hiring any Filipino worker who is currently living in the Philippines. If the Filipino worker is living in another country, and is not travelling from the Philippines, then the above requirements and process do not apply.

OEC: Not a New Zealand Immigration Requirement

It’s important to note that the OEC is a Philippine government requirement and is not part of the New Zealand visa process. For official guidance, consult the Philippine government websites or registered recruitment agencies.

Guidance Counselling Program (GCP) and CFO Requirements

Previously, Filipino spouses and partners may be required to attend the Guidance Counselling Program (GCP) and obtain a CFO sticker, depending on their visa type and travel purpose.

However, as of September 3, 2023, Filipino spouses and partners of foreign nationals travelling on tourist or non-immigrant visas are exempted from attending the GCP and obtaining a CFO sticker.

There is confusion on who needs to present/be prepared with an Affidavit of Support (AOS) at departure from the Philippines. From our clients’ experience, if the couple is married, then an AOS is not required but and only need to present proof of sponsorship and documents confirming that their travel is for a limited period.

Those who are de facto partners/common law spouses are required to prove a physical AOS – some were required to present this at departure, some were not. It is our recommendation to err on the side of caution and have this ready.

Those travelling on immigrant, long-term, or permanent residence visas (including spouse, fiancé/partner visas) are still required to complete the GCP and secure the Guidance and Counselling Certificate (GCC) and CFO sticker before departure.

• International migration and intermarriage
• Rights and obligations abroad
• Available support networks
• Cultural and social dynamics overseas

GCP sessions are available onsite in Manila or online via satellite offices in Cebu and Davao. Registration can be done through the CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS).

Please note that the GCP, PDOS and CFO stickers are not Immigration New Zealand requirements, and any Filipino planning to travel to New Zealand based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen, resident or worker are strongly advised to directly investigate all Philippine Government requirements before making any travel plans.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration states that a total of 32,404 Filipinos were delayed from departure during 2022 and, of this total, 472 were found to have been victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment, 873 misrepresented themselves or presented fraudulent documents, and some 10 others were found to be attempting to leave the Philippines to work abroad despite being underage.

There are numerous other news reports of Filipino migrants being unnecessarily delayed and offloaded from their flights by Philippine immigration officers so careful and correct exit-preparation is required in all instances.

Pathways® Licensed Immigration Adviser and Lawyer Ivy Lou Obillo-Rodriguez, originally from the Philippines, is well versed with the above requirements. Contact Ivy today for a no-obilgation discussion!