When an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is planning to renew a job contract, obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), or renew his/her membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) — one of the necessary steps or prerequisites is employment contract verification.
In Singapore, where there is a large Filipino community, employment contract verification is done by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which serves as the overseas operating arm of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The requirements differ for domestic workers and professional/skilled workers, but the general verification process is the same.
Contents
Guide to Employment Contract Verification in Singapore
Employment contracts of OFWs are verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) to make sure that these documents comply with the standards of the Philippines’ as well as Singapore’s labor laws. By doing so, the MWO helps protect and promote the rights, benefits, and well-being of Filipinos in the island nation.
Moreover, employment contract verification is one of the requirements for getting an Overseas Employment Contract (OEC). The OEC is a document that serves as proof that a person is a legitimate OFW. Before he/she leaves the Philippines, the OEC is presented to immigration officers at the airport — confirming that the person has access to the services and privileges given to OFWs.
Who Needs Contract Verification?
Employment contract verification is required for two main types of OFWs: domestic workers, and professional/skilled workers.
For domestic workers, your employment contract must be verified every two (2) years, even if you are renewing a contract with the same employer. If you have changed your employer, you need to have your contract verified and submit the necessary documents.
For professional/skilled workers, your employment contract must be verified if: (a) you have changed your employer; (b) your job position has changed; or (c) your contract duration has changed.
Requirements
With regard to documentary requirements, these are different for domestic workers and professional/skilled workers:
Domestic Workers
- Standard Employment Contract (visit this link to download the form);
- Undertaking of Employer (go to this link to download the form);
- Photocopy of Worker’s Passport, valid for at least six (6) months before the date of departure;
- Photocopy of Workers’ Work Permit;
- Photocopy of Employer’s Passport or Identification Card (IC); and
- Cash Payment of SGD 17.
Professional/Skilled Workers
- Printed copy of duly signed Employment Contract containing the terms and conditions of employment (e.g. salary, working hours, overtime pay, vacation leave, sick leave, etc.);
- Photocopy of Worker’s Passport, valid for at least six (6) months before the date of departure;
- Photocopy of Worker’s Work Pass or Identification Card (IC);
- Certificate of Employment/Payslip/Company ID;
- Compliance Letter (visit this link to download the letter); and
- Cash Payment of SGD 17.
Additional Requirements for Professional/Skilled Workers:
- Transfer Letter or any documentary proof on the company’s change in name (for Intra-company transfers or change in company name); and
- Promotion Letter or any document indicating worker’s change in position (for workers with change in position/promotion).
NOTE: The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) accepts cash payments only. To pay for employment contract verification, please bring the exact amount in cash (SGD 17).
Procedure
The documentary requirements are different, though the process for employment contract verification is generally the same for both domestic workers and professional/skilled workers.
Before going to the MWO Singapore office, applicants must first book an appointment through the Embassy of the Philippine website. They need to click “Labor Services,” select “Contract Verification, then provide the necessary details.
On the day of the appointment, applicants must go to the MWO office, submit the required documents, and pay the contract verification fee. Once their contract has been verified and updated, they can generate an OEC through their “ERegistration” account.
Steps to Create ERegistration Account
The ERegistration account is an online account for all OFWs; it can be created through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) official website. When an OFW’s employment contract has been verified, he/she can automatically generate an OEC through this website.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create an ERegistration account and print your OEC:
- Go to the DMW Online Services Portal.
- On the “e-Registration” panel, click “Let’s Go!” Then select “Register.”
- After reading the “Terms of Use and Privacy Statement,” click “Accept the Terms of Use.”
- Read the “Paalala” (Reminders) section before proceeding with your registration.
- Fill out the registration form, then submit it by clicking “Register.”
- Take note of the Temporary Password stated in the Account Creation Result at the bottom of the screen.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2. To log in, enter your registered email address.
- Click “Next.” Enter the Temporary Password and select “Login.”
- You will be asked to provide a new password. Enter and confirm your new password.
- Go to “My Profile,” then update your “Identification” (Passport). Click “Submit” when you are finished.
- Afterwards, go back to the “Dashboard.”
- As soon as your contract has been verified, go to “Balik Manggagawa” (Returning Worker) section, then click the red button to print your OEC. That’s it!
Video: Employment Contract Verification
To learn more about the employment contract verification process, check out this informative video shared by OWWA Member YouTube channel:
Contact Information: MWO Singapore
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the verification of your employment contract, you can get in touch with MWO Singapore through the contact details below. Keep in mind that the office is open from Mondays to Fridays, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Occasionally, it holds a “Sunday service” once a month; the date is announced through the MWO Singapore and Philippine Embassy in Singapore Facebook pages.
Before going to the office, don’t forget to set an appointment first through the MWO Singapore website.
Address: Level 16, Triple One Somerset Building, 111 Somerset Rd., Singapore 238164
Telephone: +65 6737 3977 ext. 134 / +65 9113 6552 (MWO) / +65 8186 3549 / +65 9023 5608 (OWWA)
Email: mwo_singapore@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://mwosingapore.dmw.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@MWOSPORE/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Contract verification plays a crucial role in making sure that an OFW’s job contract is legal and in compliance with the labor laws of Singapore and the Philippines. In this manner, the rights and well-being of OFWs are protected, wherever they may be.
Another important aspect of being an OFW is membership with the Philippine Social Security System (SSS). Head to this link for more details about SSS membership contributions and benefits.