Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Libya planning to vacation in the Philippines should ensure they have a verified Employment Contract if they’re still returning abroad to continue or fulfill their contracts. Furthermore, OFWs who have changed their employers/job sites or don’t have POEA records should secure this document since the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) requires a verified contract for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) application. So read on as we’ve created a guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Libya.
By verifying the Employment Contract, the Labor Attaché can check if OFWs’ contracts follow the prevailing laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. It ensures OFWs are legally working and staying abroad while protecting their rights, welfare, and benefits. Without a verified Employment Contract, Filipinos departing the country to work overseas cannot leave since it serves as an exit clearance. Therefore, OFWs should process Individual Contract Verification in Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tripoli, Libya.
Contents
Qualifications
Before applying for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Libya, OFWs should check if they 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)
Nonetheless, OFWs who have previously secured a verified Employment Contract with their current employer don’t need to authenticate their renewed contracts. Instead, they should present their old verified and renewed contracts to apply for the BM employment certificate. Also, they should still work for the same employer for this condition to be applicable.
Requirements
Once qualified, secure the following requirements for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Libya:
- 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
Take note the requirements may change without prior notice. In addition, there’s limited information regarding Individual Contract Verification. Thus, OFWs should contact the Philippine Embassy or MWO Libya for more details.
Fees
Apart from the documents stated above, OFWs should pay the following applicable fees:
- Contract Verification fee- Not indicated (For inquiries, contact the Philippine Embassy or MWO Libya)
- 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 Libya
If you’re verifying your Employment Contract, you can process it thru on-site Contract Verification at MWO Tripoli, Libya. But if you’re far from Tripoli, you can attend the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Libya, where MWO offers labor-related services, such as Contract Verification. To verify Employment Contract in MWO Libya, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO Libya)
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Libya.
- Click the Book Now button on the right side of the page.
- Among the options, select Notarial and Authentication Services. Then, click the Next button.
- Select your preferred date and time for the appointment. Then, click the Next button.
- Fill out your contact information, including Full Name and Phone Number.
- Next, enter “Contract Verification Appointment” in the Appointment Notes section.
- Double-check the details you’ve provided and click the Request Appointment button.
- Wait for a response from the Philippine Embassy in Libya confirming your request for an appointment. Also, inquire about the latest requirements for Contract Verification.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment letter.
- Visit the Philippine Embassy in Libya, where the MWO is.
- Present your confirmed appointment letter, vaccination card, and valid ID to the security personnel.
- Get a token number and wait for your turn.
- Head to the processing window and submit your documents for verification.
- If the requirements are complete, pay the applicable fees.
- Then, wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Via Consular Outreach Mission
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Libya.
- Inquire regarding the upcoming schedule and venue of the Consular Outreach Mission. Also, don’t forget to ask about the latest requirements for Contract Verification.
- Set an appointment for Contract Verification, if applicable.
- Secure the complete requirements.
- Head to the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Submit your complete requirements for verification.
- If the requirements are complete, pay the applicable fees.
- Then, wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Additionally, the process may change from time to time. So it’s ideal to contact the Philippine Embassy in Libya to inquire about the latest application process for Contract Verification.
Reminders
If processing Individual Contract Verification in MWO Libya, please keep in mind the following reminders:
- Before vacationing in the Philippines, OFWs should verify their Employment Contract at MWO Libya to avoid issues during their return.
- For OFWs with incomplete requirements, MWO Libya won’t process and verify the worker’s Employment Contract.
- All clients should wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Philippine Embassy or MWO Libya.
- If the client is wearing strictly prohibited outfits, like strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers, the security personnel may prohibit them from entering the premises.
- We advise OFWs to contact the Philippine Embassy or MWO Libya regarding the latest requirements, fees, and processes.
- For more details, contact the Philippine Embassy in Libya thru the following:
- Telephone number: +218 94-4541283
- Email: tripoli.pe@dfa.gov.ph
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinLibya
Summary
Verifying an Employment Contract is as essential as obtaining a valid passport for OFWs. It gives OFWs access to the benefits MWOs and their partners offer.
Moreover, this document proves they’re legally employed abroad, allowing them to secure an exit clearance from DMW. However, the designated MWO in the host country issues this document to OFWs. That’s why OFWs should verify their Employment Contract before vacationing in the Philippines to avoid being offloaded at the airport.