Whether you’re applying for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or first-time working abroad, securing an Individual Contract Verification is essential since it’s a primary documentary requirement for those who wish to work overseas. With this document, you can get an OEC, which serves as an exit clearance to ensure you can depart the Philippines for overseas employment. So if you need this document, read on as we share how to get an Individual Contract Verification in the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Hong Kong.
Also Read: How to Apply OEC Certificate in Hong Kong
An Individual Contract Verification is a document checked by the Labor Attaché, ensuring that Filipino migrant workers’ contracts comply with the current employment laws, standard, and practices in the Philippines and their destination country. In addition, you need this document when applying for OEC at POEA BM Centers or by the Philippine Immigration Officers before departure.
If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you can get this document at the Department of Migrant Workers office in Hong Kong.
Contents
Qualifications
Here are the following individuals who are qualified to get an Individual Contract Verification in MWO Hong Kong:
- Filipino nations who are working overseas without POEA records
- Filipino workers who are registered with POEA but changed their employers on-site
- Filipino nationals who have potential employers and an employment visa approved by the Immigration Department
Requirements
Before applying for an Individual Contract Verification, here are the following documentary requirements you must secure:
For Contract Renewal
- 2 sets of Original Standard Employment Contract
- Copy of Domestic Worker’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page)
- Copy of Employer’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page)
- Duly-accomplished OWWA OFW information sheet
- Original and photocopy of the domestic worker’s passport
- A printed copy of the New Employment E-Visa (check here)
For workers who change employers on-site or have no POEA records
- 2 sets of Original Standard Employment Contract
- Copy of Domestic Worker’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page)
- Copy of Employer’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page)
- Duly-accomplished OWWA OFW information sheet
- Original and photocopy of the domestic worker’s passport
- A printed copy of the New Employment E-Visa (check here)
- Original and 1 photocopy of passport with at least 6 months validity before the intended departure date
- Original and 1 photocopy of the appropriate Visa
- Original and 2 photocopies of the Employment Contract
- 1 photocopy of the Business Registration or Company Profile
- Proof of Employment:
- Certificate of Employment (1 original and 2 photocopies)
- ID issued by the Company
- Payslip
Fees
Aside from the documents, prepare the following fees when applying for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Hong Kong:
- Verification fee- HKD 80
- OWWA Membership fee- HKD 196 or 25 USD based on the foreign exchange rate
How to Verify Employment Contract in MWO Hong Kong
Follow the steps below to verify your Employment Contract at MWO Hong Kong:
For Domestic Workers (Not applicable for new hires)
- Book an appointment with MWO Hong Kong at https://mwohk-ph.com/individual-booking/.
- Head to MWO Hong Kong on the day of your appointment.
- Go to counters 1, 2, or 3 and submit your documentary requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the Verification fee.
- Next, proceed to counters 6, 7, or 8 and submit the OWWA Information Sheet.
- If your membership is expired or will expire soon, pay the OWWA Membership fee.
- Wait for the release of your document.
- Then, go to counters A and B to claim your verified Employment Contract.
For Professional/Skilled Workers
- Book an appointment with MWO Hong Kong at https://mwohk-ph.com/individual-booking/.
- Visit MWO Hong Kong on the day of your appointment.
- Go to window 11 and submit your documentary requirement for evaluation.
- Pay the Verification fee.
- If your membership is expired or will expire soon, pay the OWWA Membership fee.
- Then, claim your verified Employment Contract.
Furthermore, MWO Hong Kong releases the Individual Contract Verification the same day within 2 to 3 hours instead of 3 working days as per their advisory on their official website. Workers who have changed employers on-site or have no POEA records should present their verified Employment Contract when applying for OEC during their vacation in the Philippines.
Reminders
Please take note of the following reminders when processing your Individual Contract Verification in MWO Hong Kong:
- Be present on the day of your appointment, or MWO will cancel your reservation.
- Don’t make multiple reservations when booking an appointment with MWO Hong Kong. If you have multiple reservations, MWO will confirm the earliest available schedule and cancel the rest of your reservations.
- Applicants for Individual Contract Verification must personally submit their documentary requirements.
Video: Guide to HK Employment Contract Verification in HK
For more details on Individual Contract Verification, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, Filipino workers should verify their Employment Contract whenever vacationing in the Philippines. OFWs should process an Individual Contract Verification before vacationing since it’s a primary requirement when applying for OEC. Without a verified Employment Contract, OFWs won’t be able to get their OEC in POEA offices in the Philippines even if they have an appointment. Thus, it’s essential for vacationing OFWs who will return abroad to continue their work.
Moreover, an Individual Contract Verification is for Filipino nationals who obtained work overseas with a tourist or visit visa. It’s an essential document for OFWs vacationing in the Philippines for the first time. You may secure a verified Employment Contract at the designated Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in your host country.
A representative or prospective employer can also process this document and send it to the Philippines once verified. So OFWs should process their Individual Contract Verification before returning to the Philippines if they’re still returning abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of contract verification?
The purpose of this document is to protect Filipino migrant workers. It ensures Filipino rights, welfare, and benefits at their job sites.
2. How much is the Contract Verification fee in Hong Kong?
The Contract Verification fee in Hong Kong is HKD 80.
3. Where is the MWO office in HK?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong is located at Room 2902 29/F, United Centre,
95 Queensway, Admiralty District, HK.
4. Is Contract Verification mandatory for returning OFWs?
Yes, it is highly recommended for all returning OFWs to have their Employment Contract verified before vacationing in the Philippines. This is an essential document for applying for OEC and will make the re-entry process smoother.
5. Can a representative or employer submit the Employment Contract verification on behalf of OFW?
Yes, it is possible to have a representative or employer submit the Employment Contract Verification on your behalf. Alternatively, MWO Hong Kong also provides document submission options for OFWs who are not able to personally submit their requirements.
Summary
Processing an Individual Contract Verification is necessary when vacationing in the Philippines or working overseas for the first time. Without a verified Employment Contract, OFWs cannot get their OEC, which certifies that they’re legal workers and allowed to leave the Philippines for overseas employment.
On the other hand, if you forgot to get your Individual Contract Verification at the MWO in your host country, ask your employer or representative to process it for you and send it to the Philippines. So to save yourself from trouble, prioritize verifying your Employment Contract.
Contact Information
Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Hong Kong
Address: 2902 29/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty
Telephone Numbers: (+852) 2866 0640 / (+852) 2865 2445
Email: info@polo-hk.com
HOTLINE NO: Migrant Workers Office Hong Kong : (+852) 5529 1880
OWWA Hong Kong : (+852) 6345 9324