One of the main functions of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is the employment contract verification of OFWs. The Labor Attaché will make sure that the contract terms are legal in the host country. The Philippines’ POEA BM Centers will get the validated contract as a requirement for OECs.
OFW’s who are based in Syria and need to verify their employment contracts can process this at Philippine Embassy, Hamzeh bin Al Mutaleb St. Bldg. 56, West Mezzeh Area, Damascus, Syria.
There are outreach missions for Filipinos in Syria, so regularly check on the Philippine Embassy in Syria’s Facebook page and website to see where they’re doing outreach.
Also Read:
Due to the pandemic, it is advisable to always wear face mask and keep your distance when visiting the POLO Syria office. The process and requirements for obtaining an Employment Contract Verification in Syria are discussed in the article.
Contents
- Qualifications
- Requirements
- How to Process Employment Contract Verification in Syria
- Important Reminders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is Employment Contract Verification?
- 2. Is it possible to get OEC without a verified contract?
- 3. Can I skip getting employment contract verification?
- 4. Can I go to the POLO Syria office directly to verify my employment contract?
- 5. What is the POLO Syria’s office hour?
- 6. What is POLO Syria’s address?
- 7. What is POLO Syria’s hotline number?
- 8. What is the email address of POLO Syria?
- Summary
- Contact Information
- Google Map Location
Qualifications
- Filipino workers that have changed jobs onsite and are registered with POEA.
- Filipinos working in Syria 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 Syria (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
Each document should be submitted in two (2) copies: an original and a duplicate or photocopy.
- Original Employment Contract (Signed by the worker and the employer)
- Photocopy of worker’s passport that is valid for travel for at least six (6) months
- Photocopy of worker’s valid Work Visa
- Workers recent pay slip
- Contract Verification fee
Note: Requirements are subject to change without prior notice; for questions and clarification, contact the POLO office in Syria.
How to Process Employment Contract Verification in Syria
POLO Syria office requires an appointment before visiting the office. Although there have been instances of other OFWs going directly to the Syria office, it is strongly advised that you get in touch with them beforehand and find out whether an appointment is necessary.
Check out the procedure below on how to book an appointment and how to process employment contract verification in Syria
Step 1: Call the Philippine Embassy in Syria office to book an appointment.
Philippine Embassy in Syria office: +963 94 9155 557 and +963 11 613 2626
Step 2: Gather all of the necessary requirements.
Step 3: Before visiting the POLO Syria office, double-check if your appointment has been scheduled.
Step 4: Go to POLO Syria on your scheduled appointment day. Show your approved appointment letter, vaccination card and valid ID to the assigned security personnel.
Step 5: The assigned security personnel will check your name to the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.
Step 6: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.
Step 7: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.
Step 8: Pay for the employment contract verification fees.
Important Reminders
Here are some helpful tips and reminders to keep in mind during the contract verification process:
- Make sure that the employment contract is dated and signed on all pages by both the employee and the employer.
- All documentation should be submitted in two (2) sets or copies; original and duplicate or photocopy.
- Incomplete document submissions, payments, or other deficiencies, such as missing signatures, will not be accepted.
- All applicants must bring their own pens.
- All applicants are encouraged to arrive at the POLO Syria office well-dressed. Shorts, transparent clothing, or slippers are not permitted.
- To avoid delays, employers should closely comply with all requirements.
- Feel free to call +963 94 9155 557 and +963 11 613 2626, Sunday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Closed on Syrian and Philippines public holidays).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions regarding “How to Verify Employment Contract in Syria”, 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. 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.
4. Can I go to the POLO Syria office directly to verify my employment contract?
No, you cannot go straight to the POLO Syria. Prior to visiting, the POLO Syria requires an appointment. You can book an appointment by calling their hotline numbers: +963 94 9155 557 and +963 11 613 2626.
5. What is the POLO Syria’s office hour?
The POLO office in Syria is open from Sunday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Closed on Syrian and Philippines public holidays).
6. What is POLO Syria’s address?
POLO Syria’s address is Philippine Embassy, Hamzeh bin Al Mutaleb St. Bldg. 56, West Mezzeh Area, Damascus, Syria.
7. What is POLO Syria’s hotline number?
You can reach the POLO Syria office at +963 94 9155 557 and +963 11 613 2626. You can also send a message to Philippine Embassy in Syria via messenger.
Philippine Embassy in Syria Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria
8. What is the email address of POLO Syria?
The email addresses of POLO Syria are pe.damascus@gmail.com and damascus.pe@dfa.gov.ph.
Summary
May we remind all OFW’s in Syria that it is very important to verify your employment contract because the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requires POLO contract verification in order to register a recruited or employed Filipino worker and process the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
Make sure your contract is verified because authorities in Syria 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 partners in Syria.
There are regular outreach mission for employment contract verification, OEC, and other services provided by Philippine Embassy in Syria. This is an opportunity for you to process your employment contract verification.
Contact Information
POLO-OWWA Damascus, Syria
Address: Philippine Embassy in Syria, 56 Hamze IBM Abdul Mutaleb Street, West Mezzeh, Damascus, Syria
Email: damascus@gmail.com / owwa_syria@yahoo.com / syria@owwa.gov.ph / pe.damascus@gmail.com
Contact Number: (0096311) 6132626, (0096311) 6125138, (96394) 9155557 (ATN)
Website: https://damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria
Google Map Location
As mentioned in this post, there is no actual POLO-OWWA office in Syria, but it is the Embassy of the Philippines in Syria that handles the programs and services by POLO-OWWA. Here is the map guide location of the PH Embassy: