For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Dubai, obtaining an Individual Contract Verification is essential when vacationing in the Philippines and applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This document is a primary requirement to obtain an OEC, which serves as a travel pass for Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work overseas. So if you’re wondering how to apply for this document, keep reading as we’ve created an in-depth guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Dubai, UAE.
Also Read: How to Apply OEC Certificate in Dubai, UAE
The Labor Attaché check the Individual Contract Verification of Filipino migrant workers to ensure their employment contracts comply with the current employment laws, standard, and practices in the Philippines and the host country. Furthermore, it protects OFWs’ employment rights, benefits, and welfare at their job site. Therefore, OFWs should contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai to secure an Individual Contract Verification whenever necessary.
Contents
Qualifications
Before we discuss the application procedure, here are the following individuals who can apply for their Individual Contract Verification in MWO Dubai, UAE:
- Filipino nationals who are working overseas without POEA records
- Filipino workers who are registered with POEA but changed their employers on-site
- Filipino nationals who have potential employers and an employment visa approved by the Immigration Department
Requirements
Here are the following documentary requirements to apply for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Dubai, UAE:
For Domestic Workers
- UAE Domestic Labor Contract/ POEA Standard Employment Contract (whichever applies) with a minimum basic wage of AED 1,500 per month duly signed by the employer and worker (2 copies)
- If the basic salary is below AED 1,500 per month, request your employer to have the contract amended at any Tadbeer Center
- Addendum to the employment contract (2 copies)
- Valid passport of the worker (2 copies)
- Valid visa of the worker (2 copies) (only for a visa issued before April 11, 2022)
- New Emirates ID of the worker (2 copies) (only for a visa issued on April 11, 2022, onwards)
- Present an authorization letter from and copy of the Emirates ID of the representative if the applicant is not the OFW.
For Skilled/Company Workers
- New and valid Employment Contract which corresponds to the worker’s visa duly signed by the employer and worker (2 copies)
- Valid passport of the worker (2 copies)
- Valid visa of the worker (2 copies) (only for a visa issued before April 11, 2022)
- New Emirates ID of the worker (pink) (2 copies) (only for a visa issued on April 11, 2022, onwards)
- Present an authorization letter from and copy of the Emirates ID of the representative if the applicant is not the OFW
- Any proof of current employment (2 copies), such as:
- Current certificate of employment duly signed and stamped by the employer
- Valid company ID
- Recent pay slip duly signed and stamped by the employer
- Labor Card
- New Emirates ID (pink)
For Returning Seafarers
- New and valid Employment Contract which corresponds to the workers’ visa duly signed by the employer and the worker (2 copies)
- Accomplished One-Page Contract for Seafarersduly signed by the employer and the worker (2 copies)
- Valid passport of the worker (2 copies)
- Valid visa of the worker (2 copies) (only for a visa issued before April 11, 2022)
- New Emirates ID of the worker (pink) (2 copies) ( only for a visa issued on April 11, 2022, onwards)
- Present an authorization letter and copy of the Emirates ID of the representative if the applicant is not the OFW
- Any proof of current employment (2 copies), such as:
- Current certificate of employment duly signed and stamped by the employer
- Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) or Seaman’s Book
- Valid company ID
- Recent pay slip duly signed and stamped by the employer
- Labor Card
- New Emirates ID (pink), if the visa was issued on April 11, 2022, onwards
Additional Documents for Skilled/Company Workers & Returning Seafarers (2 copies)
- Salary Certificate- required for workers with a basic wage under the minimum standard imposed by the POEA (such as USD 400 or AED 1,500 per month). The Salary Certificate should indicate the basic wage and total salaries, and allowances the worker received per month duly signed and stamped by the employer.
- Company Explanation Letter- required for workers whose designation/position differs from the one indicated on the visa, contract, and proof of employment. The Explanation Letter from the employer should clarify the said discrepancy.
- Proof of companies’ relationship- required for workers whose company name specified on the contract differs from the one indicated on the visa or any proof of employment. The worker should present any document showing the relationship between company names, like old and new trade licenses with similar license numbers, an explanation letter from the employer, a memorandum of incorporation, or a change of name.
Fees
Also, here are the fees you must settle when applying for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Dubai, UAE:
- Verification fee- AED 40
- OWWA Membership fee- US$25 converted to local currency based on the foreign exchange rate (if OWWA membership is expired or about to expire)
How to Verify Employment Contract in MWO Dubai
If you’re an OFW in Dubai who wish to verify your employment contract, you may follow any of the ways below:
Via Appointment
You can book an appointment with MWO Dubai and the Northern Emirates to process your Individual Contract Verification personally on-site, which is same-day processing. Secure the complete documentary requirements and present proof of your confirmed appointment on your visit. Also, note that booking an appointment is free, and beware of fake ones. To book an appointment with MWO Dubai, visit this link.
Via Walk-In
On the other hand, you may also walk in at MWO Dubai to process your Individual Contract Verification, given that your flight to the Philippines is one day before. Bring your complete documentary requirements and present your confirmed flight booking to enter MWO Dubai premises even without an appointment.
Via Online Submission
Another way to apply for Individual Contract Verification is thru online submission. As of writing, this process only applies to all OFWs with valid employment visas issued by Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, with or without confirmed flight bookings. Every Monday, a new form is published by MWO Dubai with a 500 applications capacity. Once the application limit, the link will automatically close. For more details, visit this link.
Via Authorized Representative
Now, for OFWs who are already in the Philippines and unable to secure an Individual Contract Verification, a representative may apply for the document on their behalf. The authorized representative may walk in at MWO Dubai five days before the flight back to UAE or three days before the OEC appointment with POEA. To apply, the representative should bring the complete documentary requirements, a copy of your ticket, an authorization letter, and a copy of the representative ID.
Video: Latest Contract Verification Requirements in Dubai
Please check out this video of our kabayan who shares details about the lastest contract verification requirements and procedure in Dubai for your reference:
Summary
To sum up, OFWs have varying ways to process their Individual Contract Verification in MWO Dubai, from on-site, walk-in, and online applications. Meanwhile, OFWs who have returned to the Philippines can also authorize a representative to verify their employment contract.
So to avoid such a problem, OFWs should verify their Employment Contract before vacationing in the Philippines.
