A verified Employment Contract is necessary for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whether changing employer/job sites or vacationing in the Philippines. The Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requires verified contracts for OFWs applying for Overseas Employment Certificate, a travel pass for Filipinos departing the country to work abroad. So for OFWs in Brunei who need to secure this document, keep reading as we share our guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei.
With the mandate to protect and promote the welfare of OFWs, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Brunei verify Employment Contracts to ensure the legality of their work. The Labor Attaché checks OFWs’ employment documents to ensure their contracts follow the current laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. That’s why OFWs without POEA records or those who have changed employers on-site should process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei.
Contents
Qualifications
Before proceeding with the process for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei, the OFW should meet any of the qualifications below:
- Filipino nationals without POEA records but working abroad or those who transferred job sites
- with a new employer
- Filipino workers registered with POEA but have changed their employers on-site.
- Filipino workers with potential employers and an employment visa approved by the Immigration Department
- Filipino nationals who legally migrated to a foreign country and converted from migrant status to a worker status (such as dependents, permanent residents, petitioned family members, spouse or fiance visas)
- Filipino workers on a fixed-term contract (verify every renewal)
Meanwhile, OFWs who have obtained a verified Employment Contract with their current employer are no longer required to authenticate their renewed contracts. Instead, OFWs should present the old verified and renewed contract when applying for a BM employment certificate, given they still work for the same employer.
Requirements
Workers qualified to process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei should also secure the following primary documentary requirements.
- Original and photocopy of Employment Contract – signed on all pages by the worker and employer
- Copy of worker’s Philippine passport with Macau Visa Permit (data page only) – valid for at least
- six (6) months before the intended date of departure
- Photocopy of valid work visa
- Proof of current employment – such as latest Certificate of Employment, Company ID, or pay slip
But note that the requirements may change without prior notice. Also, there’s limited information regarding Contract Verification in MWO Brunei. So we advised OFWs to contact MWO Brunei for the latest documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
Fees
After securing the necessary documents stated earlier, OFWs should also pay the following applicable:
- Contract Verification fee- Not available (For more details, contact MWO Brunei.)
- OWWA Membership fee- US$25 converted to local currency based on the foreign exchange rate (if OWWA membership is expired or about to expire)
How to Verify Employment Contract in MWO Brunei
There are two methods to verify an Employment Contract in Brunei. OFWs can verify their contracts on-site at MWO Brunei or Consular Outreach Missions. Before anything else, OFWs should contact the relevant offices to set an appointment for Contract Verification. On the other hand, OFWs verifying their contracts can check the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy Brunei for the schedule and venue of Consular Outreach Missions.
To verify an Employment Contract in MWO Brunei, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO Brunei)
- Click this link and set an appointment with MWO BRUNEI for Contract Verification.
- Choose Contract Verification on the provided Service options.
- Under the Provider page, click MWO-OWWA to book a service and click Skip. Also, ensure the selected service is Contract Verification.
- Select your preferred time and date for the appointment.
- Create a profile or log in to your account to proceed.
- Fill out the required fields, including Name, Mobile Number, Email, and Address. Then, click the Book button below.
- After booking an appointment, check your email for the confirmed appointment schedule. Next, print or screenshot the confirmation email.
- Visit MWO Brunei on the day of your appointment.
- Show proof of your appointment and valid ID to the security personnel.
- Obtain a token number.
- Head to the processing window and submit the complete requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the applicable fees if the requirements are complete.
- Finally, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Via Consular Outreach Mission (Consular on Wheels)
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei.
- Check or inquire regarding the upcoming venue and schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission. Also, don’t forget to inquire about the latest documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
- Set an appointment thru the link on the Facebook post.
- Secure the documentary requirements.
- Head to the designated site of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Submit your complete documentary requirements.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Then, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Reminders
Please keep in mind the following reminders for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei:
- OFWs can only obtain their verified Employment Contract at the designated MWO in their host country. So OFWs should verify their employment documents before vacationing in the Philippines.
- MWO Brunei will not process the employment documents of OFWs with incomplete requirements.
- Since there’s limited information on Contract Verification, OFWs should inquire at MWO Brunei for the latest documentary requirements.
- All clients visiting the Embassy or MWO Brunei should dress appropriately.
- The security personnel won’t allow entry to clients wearing strictly prohibited outfits, like strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers.
- For inquiries on Contract Verification, OFWs may contact the following:
- MWO Hotline: +673 7291316
- MWO Tel numbers: +673 2241465/2241466 Loc 114, 115, 112; +673 2237052
- MWO email: mwo_brunei@dmw.gov.ph
- Philippine Embassy in Brunei
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a verified contract in Brunei?
To get a verified contract, OFWs in Brunei should set an appointment with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). Their office is within the premises of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam at:
Simpang 336-17 Diplomatic Enclave
Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan
BA2312 Brunei Darussalam
Can I get an OEC without a verified contract?
No, you cannot secure an OEC without a verified contract. It’s a prerequisite to OEC application since POEA requires it to ensure it complies with the laws of the Philippines and the host country.
Can I process Contract Verification in the Philippines?
No, you cannot process Contract Verification in the Philippines. This process is only available at the Migrant Worker’s Offices (MWOs) abroad. But if the OFW is now in the Philippines, request assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to verify their contract.
Summary
Processing Individual Contract Verification is necessary for OFWs to ensure their work and employer are legal. This document is essential for vacationing OFWs, especially those not qualified for OEC exemption. Moreover, OFWs with verified contracts can benefit from MWO and its partners. Therefore, OFWs should process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Brunei.