OFW Pre-Employment Medical Exam (DOH Accredited)

Direct Hire OFW Document Processing to UAE, updated as of July 2022 

In the Philippines, the 15-year-old GAMCA monopoly in medical testing for overseas Filipino workers leaving for work in the Middle East has been abolished and OFWs can now choose freely which clinics they would undergo. For the latest DOH-accrediated medical clinics for OFWs (land or sea based), please check this DOH link.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Requirements (if direct hire) - Contract copy, Passport copy, 4 pcs 2x2 color photo and pocket money of PHP 5,000 (minimum) 

Phase 1 (standard for all, land-based, eight basic) costs around PHP 2,500

1. complete physical examination           5. urinalysis / stool examination

2. chest x-ray                                         6. vision test

3. complete blood count (CBC)               7. dental check-up

4. blood typing                                       8. psychometric examination

* Electrocardiogram is required if 40 years old and above.

Phase 2 (additional for sea-based)

1. visual acuity with ishihara test (color perception)    3. speech test    2. hearing and audiometry

Other Laboratory Test (depends on the destination / employer requirement)

1. HIV / AIDS test (cost less than PHP1,000), Hepatitis B, Sputum, blood sugar and malaria smear

List of Diseases that would UNFIT TO WORK in GCC countries includes the following;

Infectious category

• HIV/AIDS reactive, Hepatitis B surface antifgen, HCV reactive, VDRL/TPHA reactive

• Microfilaria positive and malaria blood film positive, known leprosy patients

• Tuberculosis – any type, X-ray showing active PTB, past evidence of PTB or healed • Pulmonary scar, including minimum fibrosis, calcification (granuloma) pleural thickening, pleural effusion, tuberculosis lymphadenitis

Non-infectious category

• Chronic renal failure, Chronic hepatitis failure

• Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Known case of cancer

• Psychiatric disease and neurological disorders

• Physical disabilities, i.e. color blindness, deafness

Pre-Employment Medical Exam Result (phase 1 only) Fit to work (July 2022) 

Direct Hire OFW Travel Document Processing to UAE

All Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Requirements Processing, updated as of July 2022

Direct Hire Travel Document Processing to Work in Kuwait (2011)

"Perhaps the hardest part of finding your courage is remembering how you lost it in the first place." 

For online submission of the direct hire documents, please follow this step-by-step instruction and check this POEA Online Services link 

Back to corporate world after almost two years of solitude wandering (career break) in Latin America (2020-2021) and my Homeland (2021-2022) #livealifeyouwillremember 

Coming from the Philippines, I applied online for an Engineering position with one-shot bloody panel interview (I think the hardest I have so obviously I don't expect to pass). Luckily and surprisingly, the employer emailed me for some documents needed to submit and congratulate that I passed the position I'm applying for. Deployment requirements depend on the country of destination and job position. Ask also the Department of Migrant Workers for the latest update at landbasedpoeadirecthire@dmw.gov.ph under POEA Memorandum Circular No. 08 series of 2018 (Direct Hire Guidelines).

Main Requirements of UAE Employer:

1. Local UAE Embassy Attested Education Certificate

2. National Police Clearance / Certificate of Good Moral Character

3. Medical Exam Result in particular of TB and HIV Test

4. Other documents listed in provided pre-employment checklist such as passport copy and photo, etc.

Main Requirements of Department of Migrant Workers (Memo Circular No. 08 page 3-4):

1. Authenticated Contract from POLO (from employer) with POLO Endorsement Letter

2. Work Visa / permit (from employer) 

3. Insurance coverage certificate (from employer)

4. Passport with 6 months validity (from OFW) 

5. Fit to Work Medical Certificate (from OFW)

6. Notarized statement how did you find the job (from OFW) 

7. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Certificate (from DMW / OFW) 

Main Requirements of NAIA Immigration for OFW bound to UAE:

1. Work Visa / permit 

2. Attested Work Contract 

3. PDOS Certificate 

Pre-Employment Requirements Total Expenses: PHP 12,179

1. Medical Exam Result in particular of TB and HIV Test: PHP 4,945

2. National Police Clearance: PHP 180

3. Local UAE Embassy Attested Education Certificate: PHP 7,054

Direct Hire OFW Travel Document Processing to UAE

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Winter Solo Trip from Kuwait to Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Brunei back to Philippines

November 08, 2015 to February 20, 2016
Extreme Ultimate Journey as Farewell Tribute being OFW in Kuwait  

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland (Aug. 2012)

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion (Jan. 2013)
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan (May 2013)
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land (Oct. 2013)
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar (Jan. 2014)
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents (Jun. 2014)
7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland (Feb. 2015)
8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey across Summer Europe (Jun. 2015)

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." - Into the Wild

"Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our hearts, we free ourselves of labels, we lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality, we love the unfamilar, we trust strangers. We  own only what we can carry, we search for better questions and not anwers. We truly graduate, we, sometimes, choose never to come back." - The TripRebel Manifesto

My final get-away (serves as my 4th Ultimate Backpacking also) as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost four years of stay in Kuwait. The map below shows the destination of my entire almost 4-months farewell journey. The countries included were Iran, Malaysia, Nepal and Brunei, my 56th to 58th new countries visited. This farewell journey served as my extreme ultimate adventure and purely self-guided solo trip from arrival to departure.

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Kuwait (Shuwaikh) - Iran (Khorramshahr) Persian Gulf Ferry Cruise

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

How to Apply for Iran Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

From Shuwaikh Port (Kuwait) passing through Basrah (Iraq) and sightseeing the Gulf War shipwrecks on the way to Khorramshahr Port (Iran) for a wavy 5-hour ferry cruise surviving strict Port Immigration Process. Yes, It's very safe.

WARNING: Persian Gulf Port Immigration is much stricter than in airport or rather than I thought. Maybe because of Kuwait's zero-tolerance against Syria/Iraq refugees or just because of Paris terrorism attack last 13th-November. Based on my observation, I think Persian Gulf Ports are intended for cargo shipment and local passengers. What do I expect... again for the nth time, during the departure/arrival I'm the only non-local passenger on-board.

Price is two-way fix: (updated as of November 2015)

first class	47 KWD	upper deck	(w/ lunch)
economy	43 KWD	lower deck	(w/ lunch)

Ferry runs twice (2x) a week:
Kuwait (Shuwaikh port) to iran (Khorramshahr port) route sched: SUNDAY, and THURSDAY 

Iran (Khorramshahr port) to (Shuwaikh port) route sched: SATURDAY and WEDNESDAY

boat schedule: check-in 0800H, departure 1000H (5-6 hours travel time)

Shuwaikh Port Building Address (see map below):

- bus #13, walk to the left side going to Shuwaikh port (entrance is in building's left side). 

- 1st floor, Kuwait Ports Authority big blue-glass building

Persian Gulf Ferry Cruise (local boat seen)

How to Apply for DMW (POEA) Balik-Manggagawa OFW E-OEC

expediting the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) process to return to country-of-work.

Update as of April 2023; All OEC application is through Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) online services. Sign-up / log-in to E-Registration part of the website.

“E-OEC” refers to the Electronic Overseas Employment Certificate generated from the use of the BMOPS which will serve as the travel exit clearance and tax and terminal fee exemption certificate. "Overseas Filipino Worker or Migrant Worker” refers to a person who is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a citizen. The aim of this service is to expedite the processing of BM workers who wish to return to their country-of-work. BM Online Processing Service can be availed by Overseas Filipino Workers who were on vacation, rehired and returning to the same employer with existing record in the POEA database. BM workers who do not have a previously issued OEC/E-Receipt under the same employer/principal will be directed to the APPOINTMENT PAGE for regular processing of the OECs on their appointment date and time. 

How to Apply for POEA Balik-Manggagawa OFW eOEC (update as of 2023)

OFW Vacation: 2015 Kuwait and Philippines' Public Holidays

moving beyond the world of wonders and realization...

OFW Vacation: 2013 Kuwait and Philippines' Public Holidays
OFW Vacation: 2014 Kuwait and Philippines' Public Holidays 

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - Confucius

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing" - Roosevelt

"A good job is more than just a paycheck. A good job fosters independence and dispcipline, and contributes to the health of the community. A good job is a means to provide for the health and welfare of your family, to wn home, and save for retirement." - James Douglas

Kuwait (orange) and Philippines (blue) 2015 calendar for public holidays

Remal Sand Sculpture Festival in Kuwait

largest sand sculpture park in the world

March 24, 2014 Saturday

73 of the world’s best sand artists came to State of Kuwait and joined together to re-invent the stories of 1,001 Arabian nights. This arabian-inspired concept of the Remal International Festival is opened from January 30 to April 26 of 2014 at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds.

Remal International Festival stretches 30,000 meters and uses 35,000 tons of sand. Some of the sculptures are among the largest ever built and are first to allow visitors to walk and enter around through them. There are 10-minute shows everyday starting from 1730H with an hour interval. Show program includes "Aladdin and Wonderful Lamp" where the story from 1,001 Arabian nights is told in combination of sand sculptures, sound and light effects. In addition, there are also Fire Dancers, python show and Fata Ole - demonstrating the finest in African folklore within a 3-minute dance performed 3 times daily.

How to go to Remal International Festival;

Remal International Festival Sand park is located in Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref (infront of Australian University in Kuwait). Opens daily from 1000H to 0000H with entrance fee of 3KWD per person.

Sand art is the practice of modelling sand into an artistic form, such as a sand brushing, sand sculpture, sandpainting, or sand bottles. Good sculpture sand is somewhat dirty, having silt and clay that helps lock the irregular-shaped sand grains together. The largest sand castle made in a contest was 18 feet tall; the owner, Ronald Malcnujio, a five-foot-high man, had to use several ladders, each the height of the sand castle. His sculpture consisted of one ton of sand and 10 litres of water to sculpt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_art_and_play

Remal Sand Sculpture Festival in Kuwait

OFW Vacation: 2014 Kuwait and Philippines' Public Holidays

the saga of wonderful moments moving on...

OFW vacation: 2013 Kuwait and Philippines' public holidays

OFW episode 1: Taiwan 2005

OFW episode 2: Saudi Arabia 2011
OFW episode 3: Kuwait 2012 

If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable. - Donald Trump

There's no such thing as work-life balance. There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences. - Jack Welch 

The ant is knowing and wise, but he doesn't know enough to take a vacation. - Clarence Day

Kuwait (orange) and Philippines (blue) 2014 calendar for public holidays

Kuwait City Trips 2013 (Shadowland, Charity Run and Concert)

night of talent, music and morning of fun run

November 23, 29 and 30, 2013

Kuwait city trips 2012 (mad musicals & charity run)

A groundbreaking new performance by internationally acclaimed dance troupe Pilobolus, is best described as part shadow act, part dance, part circus and part concert. Shadowland is universal and intimately portrayed experience that is both intensely dramatic and comedic. I watched this play last November 23, 2013 Friday at 1900H in Ice Skating Rink located along Soor Street, 1st Ring Road facing the Wataniya Office. Tickets I bought was 15KWD seated second to the last seat rows. 

The famous Filipino legendary punk rock icon Kamikazee was in Kuwait on a concert for the benefit of Super Typhoon Yolanda victims in the Philippines. Front act was performed by Osang who was a finalist in X-Factor Philippines. Tickets I bought was 7KWD which was on front row standing ovation. Event started from 1900H, ended up 2200 and the venue all of a sudden transferred to Handball gym.

Filipino concert for the benefit of Yolanda victims

Cosplay 2013 in Kuwait National Library

Japanese Popular Culture Festival main event

September 12-13, 2013 Thursday-Friday

“In pursuing a ‘way,’ Japanese typically move beyond an interest in craftsmanship to a kind of sacred search for the ultimate.” ― Morinosuke Kawaguchi

Cosplay, short for "costume play", is an activity in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered on role play.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Japanese Embassy, Japanese Pop Culture Festival held at the National Library of Kuwait on September 12 - 13 starting from 6PM. The Festival includes various events, among them was the cosplay contest. Free admission to all!
 
On DAY 1; stock music and best 10 cosplays will advance to day 2. Each cosplayer has 15 - 20 seconds to show their cosplay off to the judges. On DAY 2, (top 10); bring their own soundtrack and have up to 1 minute to display cosplay moves. Prizes at 1st: 200KD; 2nd: 100KD; 3rd: 50KD

The winner of this event was Sasuke / Grell Sutcliff (thumbs-up for his over-all impact). 

Japanese Pop Culture Festival, Kuwait Cosplay 2013 (Tobi & Sasuke)

Failaka Island Solo Relaxation

another ferry trip on the Persian gulf

April 20, 2013 Saturday

Failaka Island is an island that belongs to Kuwait in the Persian Gulf. The island is 20 km off the coast of Kuwait City in the Persian Gulf. The name "Failaka" is thought to be derived from the ancient Greek fylakio(n) "outpost". The few remaining local residents are mostly those Failakawans who lived with their families on the island prior to the Iraqi Invasion of 1990.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failaka_Island

how to go here;

from Farwaniya, just take a bus #66 or if from Mubarakiya, just take a bus #15 then alight to Holiday Inn salmiya intersection road. bus fare only cost 250fils and is very, very safe. Walk 300m away from this hotel going to the other side until you saw docking port. Ferry cruise from Salmiya port to Failaka Island and vice versa is approximately 1.75 to 2 hours.

Ferry fare cost (roundtrip);

1- Private car ( up to 6m ) 20 KD including the driver
2- Company or ministry car ( up to 6m ) 37.500 KD
3- Passengers 3KD each
* it is a must to book in advance. Please call +965-2232-8698 for reservation.

Wanasa beach in Failaka Island

Sailing 101 in Messilah Beach

feeling that sea breeze for the first time

April 19, 2013

Friday

Located near the Fahaheel Highway, Messila Beach was established in August of 1986 and covers an area of 73,000 m² and is considered one of the biggest sea shores in Kuwait. Services provided by the Messila Beach are as follows; 3 large pools, several gardens, green space, walkways, and a barbecue area, water games for kids,  the main restaurant offers snacks, ice cream and bistro. There are also xperienced lifeguards to watch the seashore and the swimming pools. The beach is open for ladies only on definite days of the week all year long.

http://www.kuwaittourism.com/MessilahBeach.htm

Posted through couchsurfing site, I tried there free offer as posted below.

"Kuwait Sailing Club for expats are having a "TRY SAILING DAY" at Messila beach this coming Friday, 19th of April, 2013 from 10 am til 3:30 pm. For those looking something new & fun to do in kuwait, come and try your hand at sailing catamarans and Laser dinghies. If you have never sailed before, that’s no problem. They have experts on hand to show you the ropes (and halyards and sheets). It has been one of my fun summer experienced last year with some CSers. Should you be interested to join you can pm me, and meet there at Messila beach. You have to pay 1 kd for the entrance fee. Once you're there, take the entrance through Touristec Enterprise gate (Sailing Club is adjacent to Jumeriah Hotel.)"

Sailing 101 in Messilah Beach

Red Bull X-Fighters Jam 2013 Kuwait

an adventure and extreme motorcycle rider show

February 15, 2013 1930H-2100H Kuwait towers

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, WHAT A RIDE!"

Four International riders Nick Franklin, from New Zealand, Martin Koren from Czech Republic, Chris Brock from England and Gill Dejong from Belgium will rock the place and produce a jaw-dropping show full of big air-tricks executed with scientific precision.

For more information about this event;
www.redbullmea.com/xfightersjams

Red Bull X-Fighters Jams 2013 (Kuwait) defying gravity shots

Red Bull X-Fighters Jams 2013 (Kuwait) defying gravity shots

2013 Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival in Kuwait

january 18, 2013 friday

held in Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City, started around 1 pm and roamed within the cathedral compound only for less than an hour.

Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday. The name "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Aetas" or "make believe Ati's." Aetas were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the earliest settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is situated. The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati-Atihan_Festival

2013 sto. nino ati-atihan festival in kuwait

2013 sto. nino ati-atihan festival in kuwait

Souq Sharq and Nearby Area Nightscape

january 18, 2013

friday

Pinoy Digital Photographer's in Kuwait another gathering and photowalk activity on friday night.

The Souq Sharq is a major shopping centre in Kuwait City. The centre began as a traditional souq but as the city has undergone investment has expanded into a modernized western-style shopping mall
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souq_Sharq

souq sharq and nearby area nightscape

souq sharq and nearby area nightscape

Tourist Spots to Visit in State of Kuwait

sightseeing my 3rd country as OFW and my 2nd in middle east

January 2012 onwards

The second part of my adventure-seeking escapade as an Overseas Filipino Worker. This post is a compilation of the scenic places and tourist landmark I have visited during my stay, mostly done on boring times.

kuwait science discovery center

kuwait liberation tower

OFW Vacation: 2013 Kuwait and Philippines' Public Holidays

memorable moments on a very limited and well-planned time...

OFW episode 1: Taiwan 2005

OFW episode 2: Saudi Arabia 2011
OFW episode 3: Kuwait 2012 

A holiday in many parts of the world is a synonym for a vacation or a specific trip for the purpose of recreation or tourism, but in the United States of America, it is considered to be a day designated as having special significance for which individuals, a government, or a religious group have deemed that observance is warranted. It is generally an official (more common) or unofficial observance of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations or festivities.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday

 “Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ― Maya Angelou

Kuwait (orange) and Philippines (blue) 2013 calendar for public holidays

Green Island Photowalk for a Cause

Pindot's fund raising event for Storm Pablo victims in the Philippines

December 14, 2012 Friday

With maximum sustained winds that reached 185 kph, Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) is the strongest storm to hit Mindanao in two decades. 'Sendong,' considered one of the deadliest cyclones to enter the country in 12 years, battered northern Mindanao in December last year, leaving 1,257 people dead and P1.6 billion damage in agriculture and properties. The death toll to tropical storm "Pablo" rose to 1,050 while the estimated damage to properties increased to P34.40 billion. Of the 1,050 dead, 694 have been identified. Some 838 remained missing while 2,662 were injured.

In this regard, Pinoy digital Photographers in Kuwait (Pindot) organized another photoshoot for a cause to assist our fellow countrymen.

green island photowalk for a cause

green island photowalk for a cause

Kuwait City Trips 2012 (Mad Musicals & Charity Run)

night of music and morning of fun run

November 15 and 17, 2012

Mad Musical 8 is a 2 night musical stage play compose of talented expat singers showcasing their Broadway appeal. I attended the 2nd night, November 15, 2012 in their new home and very elegant Live Theater located in the basement of Discovery Mall. Their former stage location is at Ahmadi. Ticket costs 7.5 KD ($26/PHP1,090) on 2 hour event (8pm-10pm) with 10-min break.

Kuwait Charity Run is a fun run to raise funds for donations and a good cause. I registered online and joined the 10 kilometer which is my 1st time, not to mention that it is now winter season. Registration fee is 15 KD ($52/PHP2,180) on an almost 4 hour event (730am-1130am) in which gun starts at 8am for both 10-kilometer and 21-kilometer leg. Race bag includes printed race program and route map, checklist, dry shirt sponsored by Nike, wrist band, bib with timing chip at the back and freebies.

By the way, I was too disappointed when I claimed my race bag due the shirt that was given to me was LARGE size which supposedly SMALL size only as what I ordered during online registration. In so much frustration I'd even asked for a refund and message the organizers in their fb page but nothing happened. Of course, the purpose of that dry shirt is to used it during the race.

kuwait charity run race bag and medal

Photowalk Inside Kuwait Zoo

animalandia simplicity photoshoot

november 30, 2012 friday

This is my second time for a Pindot session photowalk, held in Kuwait Zoo. Assembly started around 0800H, orientation then stated the theme "fur, scale and feather". Winners will be announced on Christmas party which will be on next week.

kuwait zoo

kuwait zoo