New Online Contract Service for UAE OFWs

Online Contract Verification via VFS Global: A New Opportunity for Filipino Workers in the UAE

The number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) is increasing each year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract workers due to their stable economy, wide range of job opportunities, and multicultural environment. It is crucial for everyone that overseas employment happens in a regulated, safe, and legally transparent manner. This is where the verification of work contracts plays a critical role, which will now become significantly easier and faster thanks to VFS Global's new digital service.

What Does Contract Verification Mean for OFWs?

Contract verification is not just an administrative step; it ensures that the contracts of Filipinos working abroad comply with the labor law regulations set by the Philippine government, including working conditions, compensation, benefits, and rights. This verification is also essential to obtain the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), without which Filipino citizens cannot leave the country for overseas work.

Previously, this process was often time-consuming, requiring a lot of paperwork and personal administration, with long waiting times. The new technology-based solution represents a significant advancement in this area.

The Collaboration of VFS Global and DBP Data Centre

At the end of January 2026, a new service will launch, allowing online document submission for OFWs living in the UAE. Through the partnership between VFS Global and DBP Data Centre Inc. (DCI), appointments can now be booked digitally, and customers can pay the necessary fees for contract verification in advance.

This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the time spent on personal administration. Documents must be submitted to the selected VFS Global Contract Verification Centre (CVC), where the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) will perform the official certification. After processing, workers will receive an email notification that their documents are ready for collection, or they can choose the convenient courier service.

Highlight Benefits for OFWs

The new system is not just a technical innovation but specifically serves the convenience and safety of workers. For the first 30 days after launch, the service will be free of charge, which can be a significant relief for those seeking quick administration. Further benefits of the new system include:

Comfortable and air-conditioned client space

Online appointment booking option

Extended opening hours, operating seven days a week (Monday to Sunday)

24/7 customer service available

Real-time status tracking and notifications

Courier service for certificate delivery

Secure online payment option for MWO fees

Combining Technology and Personal Administration

According to the business development leader of VFS Global, the goal of the new system is to provide a safe, transparent, and efficient service for OFWs. It combines traditional administration with a digital, technological solution, enhancing both accuracy and user experience.

This is particularly important during a time when the demand for digital public services has increased worldwide, while the number of foreign workers continues to grow in various regions globally.

VFS Global's Previous Experience

This is not the first time VFS Global has collaborated with the Philippine government. Since 2019, they have been providing passport renewal services in 13 different cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, Marseille, and Singapore. In 2025, they initiated the processing of Philippine visas for Chinese citizens in six Chinese cities.

These previous collaborations have already proven VFS Global's reliability and expertise, making the new platform assisting with contract verification able to confidently build on these foundations.

Why is This Particularly Important in Dubai?

Dubai is a particularly popular destination for Filipino workers. The city's advanced infrastructure, continuous demand for hospitality and domestic work, and safe living conditions lead many to choose this emirate. The ability to handle contract verification online can be a great help for residents in the city, saving them time and energy.

Summary

For Filipino workers living in the UAE, 2026 will be an important year in terms of labor law administration. Thanks to the new collaboration between VFS Global and DBP Data Centre, the contract verification process becomes significantly simpler, faster, and more convenient. Online appointment booking, secure payment, extended hours, and a customer-friendly environment all contribute to making foreign workers feel even safer—focusing on their work rather than bureaucracy.

This step is a new milestone in the development of digital public services, clearly indicating that the future belongs to fast, transparent, and user-friendly systems.

(Based on a press release from VFS Global Contract Verification Centre (CVC).)