Ensuring your employment contract is verified is a crucial step for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working abroad, especially in Dubai. This process protects the rights of workers and ensures they are legally documented. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how Overseas Filipinos in Dubai can verify their employment contracts.
Why Verify Your Employment Contract?
Verifying your employment contract is essential for several reasons:
- Legal Protection: Ensures your rights as an employee are protected under UAE and Philippine labor laws.
- Avoid Scams: Helps you avoid fraudulent job offers and illegal recruiters.
- Compliance: Guarantees compliance with the requirements of both the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Who needs Employment Contract Verifications?
- Overseas Filipino workers who have recently changed jobs and are registered with POEA.
- Overseas Filipinos working in other countries without a POEA record.
- Filipino nationals who have been granted an employment visa permit by the Immigration Department.
Where to Verify Employment Contract?
Location of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), previously known as Philippine Overseas Labor Office , is in Beirut St, Al Qusais 3 Dubai (near Al Qusais Police Station). Click here
Requirements for Verifying Employment Contracts
For Skilled Workers / Company Sponsored Workers
- 2 copies of valid employment contract that corresponds to the worker’s visa / Emirates ID with a minimum basic salary of AED 1500 per month
- In case job titles appear differently on the contract and visa/ EID. an explanation letter from the company or certificate of employment that confirms the actual work must be submitted
- In case company names appear differently in the contract and visa/EID, any document showing the relationship between the companies reflected in the documents will be required (like old and new trade license with the same license number, memorandum of incorporation, explantion letter from the employer etc)
- 2 copies of worker’s valid passport
- 2 copies of worker’s valid visa
- 2 copies of any proof of current employment, as follows:
- Current employment certificate, duly stamped and signed by the employer
- Emirates ID Card (pink)
- Labor Identification Card
- Recent pay stubs that have been stamped and signed by the employer
- Valid company ID
For Domestic Workers
- 2 copies of either UAE Domestic Labor Contract or POEA Standard Employment Contract (whichever is applicable). Basic salary should be a minimum of AED1,500 monthly, duly signed by both the employer and the employee. (If your monthly basic salary is less than AED1,500, please ask your employer to amend your contract at any Tadbeer center.)
- 2 copies of addendum contract of employment. Click here to download
- 2 copies of valid passport of the worker
- 2 copies of the worker’s new Emirates ID.
Note: For representatives submitting documents in behalf of the worker, an appropriate authorization letter and a copy of the representative’s Emirates ID will be required.
How to Process Contract Verification in Dubai
1. Appointment: Overseas Filipinos in Dubai can book an appointment for in-person onsite verification at the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai. This method guarantees same-day processing, provided all requirements are met.
Steps:
- Book an appointment through the online appointment system. You can also scan the QR code for appointment
- Gather all necessary documents as listed above.
- Print a copy of your confirmed appointment.
- Arrive at the Migrant Workers Office on the date and time of your appointment.
- Present your confirmed appointment and documents to the staff for verification.
2. Online Verification: Overseas Filipinos who are currently residents of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah can avail of online verification without physically visiting the office.
Steps
- Visit the online submission system and read all the necessary information and instructions. The online submission system is accessible every Monday until the limit is reached.
- Complete the online form and upload necessary documents by Wednesday before the link closes.
- Wait for the confirmation email from MWO Dubai with further instructions.
3. Walk-In: For OFWs who has impending travel plans, walk-in verification can be done even without an appointment. Just visit MWO Office one day before your flight, together with all the requirements and a copy of your confirmed flight ticket.
4. Authorized Representative: OFWs on vacation in the Philippines can have a trusted representative to handle the verification process.
Steps
- Write an authorization letter and provide a copy of your ID.
- Collect a complete set of necessary documents for contract verification.
- Choose a trusted representative and hand over the authorization letter, your ID copy, and the documents.
- Have your representative visit the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai.
- The representative presents the documents and authorization letter to the staff for verification.
Important Tips and Reminders
- Double-Check All Required Documents. Always ensure you have all the necessary documents for contract verification to avoid any hassles or delays, especially if you plan to walk in the day before your flight.
- Ensure your Contract is verified before returning to the Philippines: If you’re heading back to the Philippines for a vacation or any other reason and plan to return to the UAE, make sure to get your contract verified by the MWO first. Without this verification, you may face difficulties re-entering the UAE, as it is a crucial document needed for an OFW Exit Pass or OEC
- Process Your Contract Verification Well in Advance: Complete the verification a few months before your vacation to ensure peace of mind before you head home.
- If you need an urgent Contract Verification, Walk-In! If you need to verify your contract urgently, visit the MWO Office one day before your flight with all the required documents. This is the fastest way to process contract verification. Ensure you bring all necessary paperwork to avoid any hassles.
Fees
The processing fee for each employment contract verification is AED 40.00
Conclusion
Verifying your employment contract is a vital process for OFWs in Dubai. It ensures your legal protection and compliance with labor laws, safeguarding your rights as an overseas worker. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and secure employment journey in Dubai. For more information and updates, always refer to the official MWO Website
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