Employment Contract Verification Guide for OFWs

OFWs should process their Employment Contract Verification to ensure they have a valid employer and job overseas. It verifies the contract conditions match the minimum requirements of the host government and DMW. This document is also necessary when applying for OEC since it’s one of the primary requirements OFWs should submit. With that said, we have created an in-depth guide to process Contract Verification for OFWs to ensure their safety and access to necessary benefits.

One of the purposes of Contract Verification is to ensure that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are working legally abroad. This document validates that the contract contains the agreed benefits and indicates that an OFW is a documented worker to prevent employers from taking advantage of them. Furthermore, Contract Verification is essential when obtaining an Overseas Employment Contract (OEC). Thus, OFWs should process their Employment Contract Verification for their good.

This verification process also guarantees the protection of all OFWs’ welfare, benefits, and rights at the workplace conducted by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Labor Attaché. Moreover, it ensures that OFW’s employment contract complies with the Philippines and host country employment practices, norms, and laws. It also validates if it meets the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) overseas employment documentation criteria.

Qualifications

But before anything else, here are the following qualifications for Contract Verification:

• Filipinos without a DMW record and working in other countries
• OFWs with DMW records and changed their jobs on-site
• Filipino nationals with employment visas authorized by the Immigration Department

Requirements

If qualified to process Contract Verification, secure the following requirements:

On-Site Verification

The requirements below apply to workers who switch employers while on the job or OFWs not yet registered with DMW:

• One (1) photocopy and original passport with at least six (6) months of validity over the expected departure date
• One (1) photocopy of the Appropriate Visa
• Two (2) photocopies and one (1) original Employment Certificate
• Two (2) photocopies and one (1) original Employment Contract
• One (1) photocopy of the Business Registration/Company Profile
• Workers Company ID
• Payslip

Contract Renewal

• Two sets of Original Standard Employment Contract
• Photocopy of employer’s ID with contact details on the same page
• Photocopy of domestic worker’s ID with contact details on the same page
• Original and photocopy of the domestic worker’s passport
• Printed New Employment E-Visa
• Duly-accomplished OWWA OFW Information Sheet (for representative only)

Change of Employer

• Two sets of Original Standard Employment Contract
• Photocopy of employer’s ID with contact details on the same page
• Photocopy of domestic worker’s ID with contact details on the same page
• Original and photocopy of the domestic worker’s passport
• Printed New Employment E-Visa
• Duly-accomplished OWWA OFW Information Sheet (for representative only)

But depending on the POLO office and workers’ job site, additional documents may be required. If an authorized representative process the Contract Verification, an authorization letter and copy of valid IDs are necessary. For more details on the documentary requirements for Contract Verification, contact POLO or relevant offices on your job site.

How to Process Individual Contract Verification Abroad

Whether you have obtained employment while overseas or changed employers on the job site, process your employment contract for your safety. You may contact the designated Philippine Embassy, Philippine Consulate, or POLO on your job site to process your Employment Contract Verification abroad. To do so, follow the steps below:

For Domestic Workers

Note that this process does not apply to new hires.

1. Secure an appointment with relevant offices through their website or email.
2. Submit the documentary requirements for Contract Verification to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
3. Pay the Contract Verification fee.
4. Also, pay the contribution fee if your OWWA membership is expired or expiring.
5. Then, wait for three (3) working days to pick up your verified employment contract.

For Skilled/Professional Workers

1. Secure an appointment with relevant offices through their website or email.
2. Submit the documentary requirements for Contract Verification to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
3. Pay the Contract Verification fee once released.

Take note POLO will only verify the contracts of workers who haven’t registered with DMW. OFWs may process their OEC at DMW when returning or vacationing in the Philippines once POLO validates the employment contract. Additionally, POLO offices abroad may slightly differ in processing the Contract Verification. Thus, we advised you to contact the POLO and other relevant offices for more information on the Contract Verification procedure.

How to Process Contract Verification via DMW/POEA Office

For OFWs currently vacationing or returning to the Philippines, you may process the Employment Contract Verification at the DMW office or previously POEA. The steps below apply to Domestic and Skilled/Professional Workers:

1. Book an appointment through the website or email of the Department of Migrant Workers office.
2. Submit the documentary requirements for Contract Verification to the nearest DMW office.
3. Pay the Contract Verification fee.
4. Then, wait for three (3) working days to pick up your verified employment contract.

Reminders on Contract Verification

If you wish to verify your employment contract, please keep in mind the following reminders for Contract Verification:

• OFWs can process the Contract Verification abroad at the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Consulate, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.
• OFWs may also book an appointment with DMW to process Contract Verification when vacationing in the Philippines and unable to verify the employment contract at POLO.
• The documentary requirements for Contract Verification may vary per POLO office and OFWs employment status, whether renewing a contract or changing employers.
• An authorized representative may process the Contract Verification, given they have an authorization letter and valid IDs from the OFW.
• The procedure for Contract Verification may vary a bit based on the POLO office and OFWs job site.
• OFWs should pay the Contract Verification fee, and the rate varies in each country.
• The processing time of Contract Verification is within three (3) working days after submitting the complete documentary requirements and paying the fee.
• If the OFW changed their employer, ensure to get a new verified employment contract from POLO or DMW to prevent getting offloaded by the immigration when returning to your job site.
• For OFWs without DMW records, POLO can only verify your employment contracts. Afterward, POLO will advise you to get your OEC from DMW when vacationing in the Philippines.
• This article is only a general guide. So we advise OFWs to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy, Philippine Consulate, and POLO offices on their job site to get detailed information on Contract Verification. You may also contact DMW for assistance and inquiries on the Contract Verification process.

Video: POLO VERIFIED CONTRACT IS REQUIRED TO THIS OFW | POLO CONTRACT VERIFICATION REQUIRED.

For more information on Contract Verification, please check out the video below:

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