How to Process Employment Contract Verification for OFWs

Employment Contract Verification for OFWs is a verification process that ensures that the OFW has a valid job and employer abroad and that the contract conditions match the POEA and host government’s minimum requirements. This is an important step in getting an OEC, as it is one of the first requirements that must be met.

Also Read: Why Many Filipinos Want to Become OFWs and Work Abroad

It is important to get your contract verified by the Philippine government in order to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of by your employer and to make sure that you are getting the benefits and entitlements as per your job agreement. Please be guided on the steps below on how you can your contract verified.

  • The first way is to go through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) (formerly POEA). The DMW office is responsible for monitoring and safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad. They have a website where you can search for licensed agencies and employers, as well as check if there are any complaints against them.
  • Another way to verify an employment contract is to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of the country where you will be working. There is the Philippine Overseas Labor Office that will check your employment contract and make sure that your employment is documented.

Once you have a verified contract, it shows that you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) legally working abroad.

OFWs who work abroad must have their employment contracts verified in order to obtain an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate). OFWs in the Philippines can use POEA to complete contract verification. Filipinos living abroad can complete contract verification through POLO offices.

In this article, you’ll learn about the process and guidelines for obtaining an Employment Contract Verification via DMW and POLO offices.

how to verify employment contract for ofws

What is Employment Contract Verification?

One of the primary functions of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is verification, which refers to the procedure used by the Labor Attaché to guarantee that all of the Filipino migrant workers’ job rights, benefits, and welfare are properly protected at the workplace.

It guarantees that overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) employment contracts are compliant with current employment laws, norms, and practices in both the Philippines and the host nation, as well as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) documentary criteria for overseas employment.

What are the Qualifications for Contract Verification?

  • Filipino workers that have changed jobs onsite and are registered with POEA.
  • Filipinos working in other countries without a POEA record.
  • Filipino nationals who have been authorized for an employment visa by the Immigration Department.

What are the Requirements to Verify Employment Contract?

Change of Employer

  • Original Standard Employment Contract in two sets
  • A copy of the employer’s identification with the contact information provided on the same page
  • A copy of Domestic Worker’s ID with contact information written on the same page
  • Passport of the domestic worker (original and photocopy)
  • New Employment E-Visa in printed form

For representative only: OWWA OFW completed form 

On-Site Verification

This is workers who haven’t registered with the POEA or who have switched employers on the job.

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the anticipated departure date; (1 Photocopy)
  • Appropriate Visa (1 Photocopy)
  • Employment Documentation:
  • Employment Certificate (1 original; 2 photocopies)
  • Company-issued identification
  • Payslip
  • Contract of Employment (1 original; 2 photocopies)
  • Company Profile / Business Registration (1 Photocopy)

Renewal of Contract

  • Original Standard Employment Contract in two sets
  • A copy of the employer’s identification with the contact information provided on the same page
  • A copy of Domestic Worker’s ID with contact information written on the same page
  • Passport of the domestic worker (original and photocopy)
  • New Employment E-Visa in printed form

For representative only: OWWA OFW completed form 

How to Process Contract Verification in POEA / DMW Office

In the Philippines, you may visit the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) office in order to process the contract verification. This process is applicable to Domestic and Skilled/Professional Workers:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with the Department of Migrant Workers by sending them an email or using their DMW website.

Step 2: Send all required documentation to the DMW office near you.

Step 3: Pay for your Verification fee

Step 4: Wait for your verified employment contract to be ready for pick-up after three (3) working days.

How to Process Contract Verification in POLO Offices Abroad

If you are a Filipino who has found a job while abroad, you may need to verify your employment contract. The same goes if you have changed employers. In these cases, you can head to the Philippine Consulate, Philippine Embassy, or Philippine Overseas Labor Office to verify the contract. Please follow the steps below:

Contract Verification Process for Domestic Worker

(This does not apply to new hires.)

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with them by sending them an email or using their website.

Step 2: Send all required documentation to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

Step 3: Pay for your Verification fee

Step 4: If your OWWA membership has expired or is about to expire, pay the membership fee.

Step 5: Wait for your verified employment contract to be ready for pick-up after three (3) working days.

Contract Verification Process for Skilled/Professional Workers

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with POLO Office by sending them an email or using their website.

Step 2: Send all required documentation to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.

Step 3: Pay the verification fee on the release date.

Note: Only contracts of workers who have not been previously registered with the Administration will be verified by POLO. POLO will advise workers to process their OEC at the POEA upon their return/vacation to the Philippines after the employment documentation has been verified.

Video: Step by Step Guide to Online Appointment to Employment Verification

For tips and step-by-step tutorials on how to process your Employment Contract Verification and Book an Appointment, check out our fellow kababayan The Servant Explorers YouTube video guide below.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding Employment Contract Verification for OFWs, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. What is POEA / DMW?

POEA (now called the Department of Migrant Workers – DMW) is the link to the rest of the world, facilitating the creation and preservation of decent jobs for Filipino migrant workers, as well as their protection and successful reintegration into Philippine society, in collaboration with all stakeholders.

2. What is POLO?

The POLO is the overseas operating arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the execution of Philippine labor policies and programs for the protection of Filipino workers’ rights and the advancement of their welfare and interests.

3. What is Employment Contract Verification?

Employment Contract Verification verifies that the OFW has a job and an employer, and that the contract conditions match the POEA and host government’s minimum requirements.

4. Is it possible to get OEC without a verified contract?

A verified employment contract is the most important requirement for the issue of an OEC. Only the POLO or the POEA can provide verification services.

5. Is it possible to verify my contract in POEA?

Yes, you can verify your contract with POEA because the OFW’s employment contract must be verified before an OEC can be issued.

6.  How long does contract verification take?

All contracts will be processed within three (3) working days of receiving all required documents and payment. When collecting your processed employment contract in person at the Embassy, you must present the official receipt issued by the Embassy.

7.  Can I skip getting employment contract verification?

No, you can’t skip getting your employment contract verification because it’s one of the first steps in getting your OEC.

Contract Verification in Every POLO Office Abroad

It is the job of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to process contract verification abroad. There are also a number of POLO offices overseas and each location may have a slightly different process. Please check out the following locations offering this procedure and if you are an OFW based in that location, please always follow the latest updates from the POLO office with the jurisdiction within your region.

Summary

Before an OFW can be issued an OEC, the POEA requires that his or her employment contract be verified. The verified employment contract must also be given to the Philippine POEA BM Centers as a condition for the issuing of OECs, and it may be required by Philippine Immigration Officers before to departure.

This article explains how to get an OFW’s employment contract verification, as well as the requirements, qualifications, and frequently asked questions.

Remember, it is important to verify your employment contract before you travel abroad. This will help ensure that you have a valid job and employer, and that the contract conditions meet the minimum requirements of the POEA and host government.

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