A verified Employment Contract is an essential document for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have changed employers or job sites. In addition, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requires this document for OFWs applying for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), a travel pass for Filipinos leaving the country to work abroad. Fortunately, we’ve created a guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Lebanon, so read on.
Whether vacationing or not, OFWs should verify their employment documents to protect their welfare, rights, and benefits. This process enables the Labor Attaché to check if the Employment Contracts of OFWs comply with the prevailing laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. A verified contract is also essential for vacationing OFWs since they cannot secure their OEC without it. That’s why we remind OFWs to undergo the Individual Contract Verification in Migrant Workers Office (MWO) – Lebanon.
Contents
Qualifications
If you wish to process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Lebanon, check first if you meet any of the following qualifications:
- 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 with a verified Employment Contract with their current employer are not required to authenticate their renewed contracts. If still working for the same employer, they only need to present their old verified and renewed contract when applying for a BM employment certificate.
Requirements
If qualified, the OFW should secure the following documentary requirements for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Lebanon:
- 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 documentary requirements for Contract Verification may change without prior notice. So we advised OFWs to contact MWO Lebanon since there’s limited information regarding the latest requirements for Contract Verification.
Fees
Other than the documentary requirements, OFWs should pay the following applicable fees:
- Contract Verification fee- US$10 (For the latest details, contact MWO Lebanon.)
- 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 Lebanon
If you’re an OFW in Lebanon, you have two choices to verify your Employment Contract. You can process Contract Verification at MWO’s main office in Mount Lebanon. But if you’re far from their office, attend the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy and MWO Lebanon. To verify Employment Contract in MWO Lebanon, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO Lebanon)
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy or MWO Lebanon.
- Look for a Pre-Registration Link for Contract Verification. You may also inquire directly or email MWO Lebanon at mwo_lebanon@dmw.gov.ph to set an appointment.
- Gather the complete documentary requirements into one PDF file and email it to MWO Lebanon with a subject header: Request for a schedule of appointment for processing and verification of Employment Contract.
- Wait for an email from MWO Lebanon regarding confirmation of your appointment schedule. (Note: MWO Lebanon will not process applicants who didn’t upload complete requirements.)
- On the day of your appointment, go to MWO Lebanon ang bring the original and photocopies of your requirements.
- Show proof of appointment schedule and valid ID to the security personnel.
- Get a token number.
- Head to the processing window and submit the complete requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Then, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Via Consular Outreach Mission
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy or MWO Lebanon.
- Check or inquire regarding the upcoming schedule and venue of the Consular Outreach Mission. Also, don’t forget to inquire about the latest documentary requirements and fees.
- Set an appointment if necessary.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Visit the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Submit your documentary requirements for evaluation.
- 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 when applying for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Lebanon:
- The Migrant Worker’s Offices (MWOs) abroad are mandated to verify the Employment Contracts of OFWs. So OFWs should verify their contracts before vacationing in the Philippines.
- MWO Lebanon will not process the application of OFWs who didn’t upload their complete documentary requirements.
- Considering the limited information online, we advise OFWs to contact MWO Lebanon for the latest requirements, fees, and process for Contract Verification.
- All clients visiting the Embassy or MWO Lebanon should wear appropriate attire. Do note that the security personnel can forbid entry to clients wearing strictly prohibited outfits, such as sando, spaghetti-strap blouses, strapless, tank tops, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers.
- For inquiries, OFWs in Lebanon may contact the following:
MWO Lebanon
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon
- Telephone number: +961 71 418 657
- Email: mwo_lebanon@dmw.gov.ph
Philippine Embassy in Lebanon
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon
- Telephone number: +961 70 858 086
- Email: beirut.pe@dfa.gov.ph
- Website: https://beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a verified contract in Lebanon?
To get a verified contract, OFWs should book an appointment with MWO Lebanon at:
W Building, Rue Mar Geries, Hadath, Baada, Mount Lebanon
Can I get an OEC without a verified contract?
No, you can’t secure your OEC without a verified contract. The Contract Verification should be processed at the designated MWO in your host country since it’s a primary requirement for OEC application.
Summary
With a verified Employment Contract, OFWs can ensure they’re legally employed and staying abroad. Moreover, it guarantees that their employer follows the standard requirements of POEA in hiring Filipino workers, protecting their benefits and welfare. Therefore, OFWs who have changed employers, especially those vacationing in the Philippines, should process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Lebanon.