Thanks to its thriving economy, diverse culture, and close proximity to the Philippines, Singapore is among the top destinations for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). And to serve the Filipino community in this island nation, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was established here.
Notably, the DMW was created to combine the functions of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other agencies — into a single entity. The DMW currently operates 39 MWOs around the world, including MWO Singapore.
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What is the Migrant Workers Office?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) is the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Singapore. Notably, the DMW was established in 2022 through Republic Act No. 11641, and it is responsible for protecting and promoting the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos who are working abroad.
Functions and Responsibilities
The functions and responsibilities of the MWO office in Singapore are as follows:
- To ensure the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interests of OFWs, assisting them with all problems related to employer-employee relationships;
- To promote and implement the DMW’s overseas employment program, which goes in line with the overall policy thrust of the Philippine government;
- To verify employment contracts and other employment-related documents;
- To monitor and report to the DMW Home Office situations and policy developments in Singapore that may affect Filipino migrant workers and Philippine labor policies;
- To supervise and coordinate the operations of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC);
- To pursue a needs-based community development and relations program, and engaging in socio-cultural activities organized by the Philippine government, the government of Singapore, Filipino communities, and other entities; and
- To perform other functions that may be assigned by the Secretary of Migrant Workers.
Programs and Services
MWO Singapore provides various services, such as contract verification of workers, accreditation of principals/employers, issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC), assistance to nationals, and other services.
Employment Contract Verification
To make sure that the labor rights and welfare of OFWs are protected, the MWO conducts contract verification for OFWs, including domestic workers and professional/skilled workers. This process is also done to ensure that job contracts are consistent with the labor laws of Singapore as well as the Philippines.
Accreditation of Employers
Furthermore, the MWO is also engaged in the accreditation of employers, which include: employment agencies that hire domestic workers; employers and employment agencies that hire professionals/skilled workers; and employers or principals that hire sea-based OFWs. This is carried out to make sure that employers are legitimate and duly recognized by Singapore and the Philippines.
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
Before a newly-hired OFW or a “balik manggagawa” (returning OFW) leaves the Philippines, he/she is required to present an OEC to immigration officers at the airport. The OEC serves as the OFW’s “travel exit clearance;” it serves as proof that he/she is a legitimate OFW. With this document, he/she also does not need to pay travel tax and terminal fees at the airport.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an attached agency of the DMW. As the name implies, it is focused on ensuring the welfare of OFW and their families, too. The OWWA conducts pre-departure orientations for new OFWs, provides assistance to OFWs in the host country, and extends livelihood training and integration assistance to returning OFWs. In addition, depending on the case, OWWA provides other benefits such as disability, dismemberment, death, and burial benefits.
Assistance to Nationals (ATN)
The Assistance to Nationals (ATN) section of the MWO extends various services to distressed Filipino individuals or groups overseas. It provides assistance in cases of human trafficking, location of missing Filipino nationals, and facilitates repatriation to the Philippines. Moreover, it helps monitor court cases, providing legal assistance and coordination in cases of detained Filipino nationals.
SSS Services
The Social Security System (SSS) is a state-run corporation that operates the social insurance program of the Philippine government for the private sector. It covers private sectors workers, informal workers, self-employed workers, and the OFW sector. Members of the SSS can avail of various benefits such as maternity benefit, sickness benefit, disability benefit, retirement benefit, and more.
Pag-IBIG Fund Services
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), better known as “Pag-IBIG Fund” is another state-run agency, managed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). Members of Pag-IBIG benefit from the agency’s affordable housing loans, Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL), calamity loan, and other financing services. They can also take advantage of above average savings/dividends when through the Pag-IBIG 1 Savings Program and Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) Savings Program.
Video: MWO Joins Women’s Month Celebration in SG
Last March 2024, the MWO, together with the Philippine Embassy, joined in the Women’s Month Celebration in Singapore. Watch this video of their participation in the “Of Course” trend, as shared by MWO-Singapore Facebook page:
Contact Information: MWO Singapore
At present, MWO Singapore is located at the office of the Philippine Embassy in the country. Its operating hours are from Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Occasionally, the office operates a “Sunday service” once a month, with the date announced through its official Facebook page.
Before going to MWO Singapore, make sure that you have an appointment, which you can schedule through its official 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
As the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) ensures the protection of OFWs in Singapore and other parts of the world. It plays a vital role in promoting their rights, welfare, and well-being.
That being said, it is important for OFWs to be aware of the labor laws and policies in their host country. Visit this guide to learn more about the Singapore Labor Law, particularly its provisions on working hours, leaves and vacations for foreign workers.