New System Eases Contract Verification for Filipinos

Filipino workers living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates are set to experience a significant ease in contract verification with an update introduced by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) effective from May 1, 2025. The aim of the new system is to simplify and expedite the process of employment contract verification while offering more flexible options for those involved. According to the MWO's announcement, there are now only two official methods available for document authentication.

Two options for contract verification

1. Online submission

For those who prefer digital processing, online submission will be the most effective solution. Using an online form that opens every Monday at 8:00 AM, up to 800 applicants can register. The form will close once all spots are filled or by Wednesday midnight, whichever comes first.

The link for online application is shared every Monday at 8:00 AM on the official website and social media pages of the office.

The processing cycle time (PCT) is 11 working days. Those whose online applications are approved will receive a specific schedule for document receipt and the associated fee payment.

Sample Schedule:

Application Date: May 5, 2025.

Result Publication: May 15, 2025.

Document Receipt and Payment: May 19-21, 2025.

Receipt time averages 15-20 minutes.

Who can avail the online option?

All OFWs whose visas were issued by Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, or Ras Al Khaimah, or who work in these Emirates.

2. Walk-in processing

For those shortly traveling to the Philippines, there is an option to appear personally at the MWO-Dubai office on the working day before departure to have their contracts verified.

If the departure falls on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, the matter can be settled on the closest Thursday or Friday. If the day before the flight is a public holiday, processing can occur on the closest previous working day.

Another option for those already in the Philippines: verification can be handled through an authorized representative. In such cases, representatives can enter the MWO-Dubai office 1-3 days before the OFW's Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) appointment or 2-5 days before returning to the UAE.

Who can choose this option?

OFWs who are departing the next day and were unable to submit documents online earlier.

Those who send an authorized representative before their departure.

Those already in the Philippines who missed document verification before departure.

Those specifically required by MWO-Dubai to appear in person.

Why is contract verification important?

Official contract verification is a crucial part of the OFWs' legal protection. It ensures that workers operate under appropriate conditions and can more easily access various government and legal services both in the Philippines and the UAE. With the introduction of the new system, not only does the administration become more efficient, but waiting in lines and paper-based processing also decreases.

Summary

The new procedure offers clear, simple, and time-saving solutions for Filipino workers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Through digitalization, there are increasing opportunities for OFWs to manage their official matters more comfortably, whether online or in-person, tailored to their travel.

(Source of article: Migrant Workers Office (MWO) announcement.)