Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel should verify their Employment Contract at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) whenever they change employers or job sites. A verified Employment Contract is also essential for vacationing OFWs since it’s a primary requirement for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), an exit clearance for Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work abroad. With that said, read on as we’ve created an in-depth guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Israel, from the requirements to the application process.
By verifying OFWs’ Employment Contracts, the Labor Attaché can check if it complies with the prevailing laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. Besides being an OEC requirement, a verified Employment Contract ensures OFWs have legal work, protecting their rights, welfare, and benefits. Therefore, we encourage OFWs to undergo Individual Contract Verification in MWO Israel for their safety.
Contents
Qualifications
First and foremost, the OFW should meet any of the following qualifications below to process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Israel:
- 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)
On the other hand, OFWs who have previously secured a verified Employment Contract with their present employer don’t need to validate their renewed contracts. All they have to do is to show their old verified and renewed contract during the application for the BM employment certificate. But this condition only applies to OFWs still working for the same employer.
Requirements
Once qualified, the OFW should obtain the following documentary requirements for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Israel:
- 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
However, the requirements may change without prior notice. MWO Israel may also request other documents to verify OFW’s Employment Contract. In addition, there’s limited information regarding the requirements for Contract Verification. Thus, we encourage OFWs to contact MWO Israel for the latest list of documentary requirements.
Fees
Aside from the documentary requirements, OFWs should pay the following applicable fees:
- Contract Verification fee- Not available (Contact MWO Israel for more details.)
- 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 Israel
OFWs in Israel have two options to verify their Employment Contract. Those near Tel Aviv can verify their contracts at MWO Israel within the premises of the Philippine Embassy. Meanwhile, OFWs residing in far areas can attend the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Israel with POLO-OWWA. To verify the Employment Contract in MWO Israel, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO Israel)
- Set an appointment with MWO Israel thru this link.
- Click the designated button to set an appointment for Contract Verification with MWO Israel. Do note that MWO Israel may accept walks-in on selected days.
- Call MWO Israel to confirm if an appointment is necessary for Contract Verification at 03-601 0521 / 03-602 2496 / 03-544 4531.
- Check your email for the appointment confirmation, if applicable.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment schedule.
- Secure the complete documentary requirements.
- Visit MWO Israel on the day of your appointment.
- Show the security personnel proof of your confirmed appointment and a valid ID.
- Obtain a token number from the security personnel.
- Proceed to the processing window and submit your complete requirements for evaluation.
- If the requirements are complete, pay the applicable fees.
- Then, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Via Consular Outreach Mission
- Go to the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
- Inquire or look for the upcoming Consular Outreach Mission in Israel. Also, ask regarding the latest requirements for Contract Verification.
- Set an appointment for Contract Verification, if applicable.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment link.
- Visit the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Submit your complete requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Afterward, collect the official receipt and wait for the release of your verified Employment Contract.
Reminders
If you’re planning to verify your Employment Contract in MWO Israel, please take note of the following reminders:
- Before vacationing in the Philippines, OFWs should verify their Employment Contract since they can only secure it at the designated MWO in their host country.
- MWO Israel will not process and verify the Employment Contracts of OFWs with incomplete requirements.
- Due to the limited information about Contract Verification, we advise OFWs to inquire at MWO Israel regarding the latest requirements, fees, and process.
- Clients visiting the Embassy or MWO Israel should wear appropriate attire. If not, the security personnel may refuse entry to clients wearing strictly prohibited outfits, such as strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers.
- For more details on Contract Verification, OFWs in Israel may contact the following:
- MWO Israel Hotline Numbers: 03-601 0521 / 03-602 2496 / 03-544 4531
- Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a verified contract in Israel?
OFWs can get a verified Employment Contract through Consular Outreach Mission or the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) within the premises of the Philippine Embassy in Israel at:
Rehov Bnei Dan 18, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Can I get an OEC without a verified contract?
No, you can’t. You need to secure a verified Employment Contract since it’s a primary requirement for OEC.
Can I process Contract Verification in the Philippines?
No, you can’t. The verification of OFWs’ Employment Contracts is only done at the Migrant Worker’s Offices (MWOs) overseas. Thus, OFWs can only process Contract Verification at the designated MWO in their host country. However, OFWs who failed to verify their Employment Contracts and are already in the Philippines can ask for assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Summary
Although some may think that Contract Verification is just another useless and troublesome piece of paperwork, this document is actually a way to protect OFWs. A verified Employment Contract indicates that the OFW is legally employed and staying in the host country. Furthermore, it ensures their Employment Contracts meet the standard requirements of POEA in employing Filipino workers. Thus, OFWs should prioritize completing Individual Contract Verification in MWO Israel before vacationing.