The employment Contract verification of OFWs in London is one of the main functions of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). The Labor Attaché will check to see if the contract terms are legal in the host country. The verified contract will be required for OECs in the Philippines’ POEA BM Centers.
Employers of Filipinos who are based in London, United Kingdom and need to verify their employment contracts can process this at Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) – Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HG.
Also Read:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, always wear a face mask and keep social distance when visiting the POLO London, United Kingdom office.
The article discusses the process and requirements for getting an Employment Contract Verification in London, United Kingdom.
Contents
- Qualifications
- Requirements
- How to Process Contract Verification in London, United Kingdom via WALK IN On Site
- How to Process Contract Verification London, United Kingdom via MAIL
- Important Reminders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is Employment Contract Verification?
- 2. Is it possible to get OEC without a verified contract?
- 3. How long does contract verification take?
- 4. Can I skip getting employment contract verification?
- 5. Can I go to the POLO London, United Kingdom office directly to verify my employment contract?
- 6. What is the POLO London, United Kingdom office hour?
- 7. What is POLO London, United Kingdom’s address?
- 8. What is the POLO London, United Kingdom’s hotline number?
- 9. What is the email address of POLO London, United Kingdom?
- 10. Can I verify my employment contract instead of my employer?
- 11. How much does it cost to process employment contract verification?
- Summary
- Contact Information
- Google Map Location
Qualifications
- Filipino workers that have changed jobs onsite and are registered with POEA.
- Filipinos working in London, United Kingdom without a POEA record.
- Filipino nationals who have been authorized for an employment visa by the Immigration Department.
- Change of employer and/or name of employer for the first time in London, United Kingdom (for example, from a tourist or from another nation).
- Others on a fixed-term contract (this needs contract verified every renewal).
Note: OFWs who have already had their contracts verified with their present employer do not need to have their renewal contracts verified again. They can just show their old verified contract and their renewed contract when applying for BM, as long as the Employer remains the same.
Requirements
The qualified Filipinos’ employers will process the verification of their employment contracts.
Land-Based Employment Contract Verification Requirements:
For Principals who are already Accredited
- Original Employment Contract
- (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Copy of employee’s passport
- Copy of employee’s visa or sponsorship certificate assignment
- Copy of the employer’s passport or the person signing the document
- Other supporting documentation as the Office of the Labor Attaché may require
For Principals who have not yet been Accredited
- Original Employment Contract (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Copy of employee’s passport
- Copy of employee’s visa or sponsorship certificate assignment
- Copy of the employer’s passport or the person signing the document
- Guarantee Letter from the Principal stating that it has enough Certificates of Sponsorship to meet the JO’s personnel requirements (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Job order/manpower request
- Master employment contract
- Proof showing the employer/company is authorized to sponsor migrant workers by the UKBA/RI.
- RA
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Other supporting documentation as the Office of the Labor Attaché may require
For direct HSW hiring
- Original Employment Contract (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Fully completed Employer Profile
- POEA Exemption Request Letter
- Copy of employee’s passport
- Copy of employee’s visa or sponsorship certificate assignment
- Copy of the employer’s passport or the person signing the document
- Other supporting documentation as the Office of the Labor Attaché may require
Sea-Based Employment Contract Verification Requirements
For Principals who are already Accredited
- Original Sea-based Employment Contract and Standard Terms and Conditions of Employment (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Copy of the employee’s passport data page
- Copy of employee’s visa or UKBA certificate assignment
- Certified true copy of the company’s certificate of registration/incorporation
- Certified true copy of ship/vessel registry
- Other documentation that the Office of the Labor Attaché may require
For Principals who have not yet been Accredited
- Original Sea-based Employment Contract and Standard Terms and Conditions of Employment (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Agreement on Manning – (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) – (Must be notarized by a UK/Northern Ireland Solicitor/Notary Public and then legalized by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO))
- Crew complement/manpower request
- Copy of the employee’s passport data page
- Copy of employee’s visa or UKBA certificate assignment
- Certified true copy of the company’s certificate of registration/incorporation
- Certified true copy of ship/vessel registry
- Other documentation that the Office of the Labor Attaché may require
How to Process Contract Verification in London, United Kingdom via WALK IN On Site
Step 1: Gather all of the requirements and create a copy of them.
Step 2: Go to POLO London, United Kingdom office.
Step 3: The assigned security personnel will check the required documents. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.
Step 4: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.
Step 5: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.
Step 6: Submit the two sets of required documents.
Step 7: Pay the verification fees
£14.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relevant to the hiring of a single worker:
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Individual Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Employer’s certificate of registration/incorporation
- Other documents
£42.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relating to the hiring of several workers:
- Master Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Recruitment Agreement
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Other documents
Step 8: After you pay the verification fee go the Philippine Embassy’s Consular Section present the documents and pay the £18.00 authentication fee for each of the documents that have been verified.
Step 9: Wait for the documents to be released.
How to Process Contract Verification London, United Kingdom via MAIL
Step 1: Gather all the requirements.
Step 2: Send the original and photocopied documents to the Philippine Embassy’s Office of the Labor Attaché, Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HG with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Step 3: Include payment in the form of a postal money order payable to “POLO-London” for the verification fees.
£14.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relevant to the hiring of a single worker:
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Individual Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Employer’s certificate of registration/incorporation
- Other documents
£42.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relating to the hiring of several workers:
- Master Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Recruitment Agreement
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Other documents
Step 4: Include another payment in the form of a postal money order payable to “Philippine Embassy-London” for the £18.00 authentication fees for each document.
Step 5: Incomplete documents will be returned, along with the fees, in the return envelope provided. POLO staff will call or email you for more information.
Step 6: If everything appears to be in order, it will be processed, stamped, verified, and signed.
Step 7: You will receive the verified documents from POLO London, United Kingdom.
Important Reminders
Here are some helpful tips and reminders to keep in mind during the contract verification process:
- In the covering letter written to the Labor Attaché, the list of documents sent for verification must be listed.
- For easy evaluation and processing, documents must be submitted in the prescribed order or sequence.
- Employers should make sure that the employment contract is dated and signed on all pages by both the employee and the employer.
- All documentation should be sent in two (2) sets or copies to “Philippine Embassy’s Office of the Labor Attaché, Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HG” with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
- After evaluation and completion of all requirements, verified documents will be released within seven (7) working days for those who processed it via MAIL.
- If the employer completed the employment contract verification, the employer must mail or courier the original processed document to the employed worker or to the Philippine Recruitment Agency, which will then present it to POEA as part of the procedures for the issue of exit clearance.
- Incomplete document submissions, payments, or other deficiencies, such as missing signatures, will not be accepted.
- To avoid delays, employers should closely comply with all requirements.
- Feel free to call +44 20 7451 1832, +44 20 7839 8039, and +44 20 7839 8078 Monday to Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm (Closed on United Kingdom and Philippines public holidays).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions regarding “How to Verify Employment Contract in London, United Kingdom”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. How long does contract verification take?
If you process your contract verification in the POLO London, United Kingdom office, you will receive it immediately after paying the verification fee, and those who process their contract verification via MAIL will receive it in seven (7) working days.
4. 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.
5. Can I go to the POLO London, United Kingdom office directly to verify my employment contract?
Yes, you can verify your employment contract directly at POLO London, United Kingdom. Just remember to keep your face mask on and maintain social distance.
6. What is the POLO London, United Kingdom office hour?
The POLO office in London, United Kingdom is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Closed on United Kingdom and Philippines public holidays).
7. What is POLO London, United Kingdom’s address?
POLO London, United Kingdom address is Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) – Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HG.
8. What is the POLO London, United Kingdom’s hotline number?
You can reach the POLO London, United Kingdom office at +44 20 7451 1832, +44 20 7839 8039, and +44 20 7839 8078. You can also send a message to POLO-OWWA LONDON via messenger.
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/POLOOWWALONDON
9. What is the email address of POLO London, United Kingdom?
The email address of POLO London, United Kingdom is polo_london@dole.gov.ph.
10. Can I verify my employment contract instead of my employer?
Yes, as long as you have all of the requirements, you can process your employment contract verification, although it is preferred that the employer perform it. Because foreign employers that hire Filipinos must work through a legally licensed Philippine recruitment agency and sign a recruiting agreement with them.
11. How much does it cost to process employment contract verification?
The processing fees for employment contract verification are follows:
£14.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relevant to the hiring of a single worker:
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Individual Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Employer’s certificate of registration/incorporation
- Other documents
£42.00 verification fee for each of the following documents relating to the hiring of several workers:
- Master Employment Contract
- Special Power of Attorney
- Recruitment Agreement
- Job Order/Manpower Request
- Other documents
£18.00 authentication fees for each document
Summary
Verifying your employment contract guarantees that you, as an OFW, have a legitimate job and employer abroad, as well as that the contract terms meet the minimum requirements of the POEA and the host government.
Make sure your contract is confirmed because authorities in London, United Kingdom, are on high alert for illegal immigrants. Once you’ve verified your contract, you’ll have access to all of POLO’s benefits and services, as well as those provided by POLO’s London-based partners.
POLO London, United Kingdom will only verify employment contracts of workers who have not previously been registered with the Administration. OFWs can check their employment contracts at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) – Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk St, London SW1Y 4HG, from Monday to Friday between 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
To avoid contract verification delays, you must carefully follow the procedures and complete your requirements.
Contact Information
POLO-OWWA London, United Kingdom
Address: Philippine Embassy, 6-11 Suffolk St. (10,745.52 km) SW1Y 4HG London, UK
POLO Email: polo_london13@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone Number/s: +44 20 7839 8078, (+44) 78 0279 0695
Website: https://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/POLOOWWALONDON/
Google Map Location
Here’s a map guide to POLO London in case you need a visit. This is also the location of the Embassy of the Philippines in the United Kingdom.