Formerly called the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) is responsible for providing labor-related services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across the globe. One of the services MWO offers is Individual Contract Verification, a primary requirement to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). So if you’re an OFW, read on as we share our in-depth guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Milan, Italy.
A verified Employment Contract is not just a requirement for OEC or an exit clearance for Filipinos leaving the Philippines for overseas employment. But this process is a way for the Labor Attaché to verify if OFWs contracts comply with the current laws of the Philippines and the host country. Also, it safeguards OFWs’ rights, benefits, and welfare while working overseas. Thus, OFWs should perform the Individual Contract Verification in MWO Milan, Italy.
Contents
Qualifications
Before you jump into the procedure for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Milan, Italy, check first if you 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 (like dependents, permanent residents, petitioned family members, spouse or fiance visas)
- Filipino workers on a fixed-term contract (should be verified every renewal)
Requirements
If you’re qualified to verify your Employment Contract in MWO Milan, Italy, here are the following documentary requirements you should secure:
For Renewal/Regularization of Household Service Workers (HSWs) Contract
- Notarized Employment Contract (1 original and photocopy) (click here to download)
- Undertaking (1 original and photocopy) (click here to download)
- Worker’s passport – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure (2 copies)
- Worker’s work permit (2 copies)
- Valid ID or passport of the direct employer (2 copies)
For Direct Hire Skilled/Professional Workers
- Cover Letter – Addressed to POEA administrator via the Labor Attaché (should include the reason for exemption from No-Direct hiring policy)
- Employment Contract – POEA Standard Employment Contract (if possible)
- Worker’s passport – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
- Copy of Approved Nulla Osta or Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of Employer’s Business Registration (provide a copy of a notarized translation if the document is not English)
- Employer’s passport copy or Company Representative (contract signatory) valid ID
- Copy of worker’s diploma
- Copy of worker’s resume (including the work experience and attended seminars and training)
- Copy of Job Offer/Job Description from employer
For Sea Based
- Notarized Manning Agreement
- Notarized Special Power of Attorney
- Crew Request (specifying the positions, required number of persons, salary, and other emoluments per position)
Prepare the documents per vessel.
- Notarized Master Employment Contract for Seafarers
- Valid POEA License of the Philippine Manning Company/Agent
- Valid identification of the Philippine Manning Signatory/Agent Representative
- Business Registration – Foreign Principal/Employer/Vessel Owner
If the document is not in English, provide a notarized English translation.
- Valid identification of Employer/Authorized Signatory
If authorized signatory, submit an authority from Company/Board.
- Vessel Registration and Particulars
- Summary list of Vessels for enrollment (IMO number, classification, registry, etc.)
- Undertaking (Manning Agent and Employer/Principal)
- Copy of Certificate of Cover/Compulsory Insurance
- Management Agreement (if the principal is not the owner of the vessel)
For Direct Employer
- Notarized Recruitment Agreement/Service Agreement between the Principal and the Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA)
- Notarized Special Power of Attorney
- Job Order (Directed to PRA indicating the number of positions required and salary per position)
- Notarized Master Employment Contract – signed on all pages by the Principal or the Authorized Representative
- Valid POEA License of Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA)
- Valid identification of PRA representative
- Business License or Commercial Registration (If the document is not in English, provide a notarized English translation.)
- Valid identification of Employer/Authorized Signatory (If authorized signatory, submit a Company/Board authority)
- Employer Profile (stating years in operation, business activities, and number of employees)
- Contingency Plan
- Undertaking
For Foreign Recruitment Agency (FPA)
- Recruitment Agreement/ Service Agreement between the FPA and the Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA)
- Special Power of Attorney
- Job Order (FPA to PRA stating the required number of positions and salary per position)
- Master Employment Contract – signed on all pages by the FPA or the Authorized Representative
- Joint Affidavit of Undertaking – signed by FPA and PRA
- Contingency Plan
- Valid POEA License of Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA)
- Valid identification of PRA representative
- Business License or Commercial Registration of FPA (If the document is not in English, provide a notarized English translation.)
- Valid identification of FPA’s authorized signatory
- License to operate in the Host Country as an Employment Agency
- Manpower Request (by direct employers to FRA stating the required number of positions and salary per position)
- Master Employment Contract – signed on all pages by the actual employer and FPA
- Business Registration of the employer
- Service Agreement between the employer and FPA
- Undertaking by the employer/FPA to track OFWs’ employment and submit a report in case of significant incidents
Fees
Apart from the documents listed above, you should also pay the applicable fees below to secure a verified Employment Contract from MWO Milan:
- Contract Verification fee- €9
- 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 Milan, Italy
To verify Employment Contract in MWO Milan, follow the steps below:
- Collect all the documentary requirements.
- Once complete, merge the documentary requirements into one PDF file.
- Send the PDF file to MWO Milan for initial evaluation via email at polomilan1@gmail.com.
- The Labor Attaché will interview the employer of their authorized representative.
- Submit the original documents and two (2) additional copies to MWO Milan, Italy.
- Pay the verification fee.
- Visit MWO Milan if the documents are ready for pick-up.
- Leave on copy to MWO Milan and claim your verified Employment Contract.
Moreover, OFWs outside Milan can verify their Employment Contract by attending the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), OWWA, MWO, SSS, and Pag-IBIG. Thus, OFWs in Italy who need to verify their contract can do so. For more details on the Consular Outreach Mission, check PCG Milan’s Facebook page for the upcoming schedule and venues.
Video: OFW Contract Verification in Milan Process
A Filipina shares the process of contract verification in Milan, Italy. She starts by giving an overview of the process and explaining the different steps involved. Please be guided on the steps in order to apply especially for Filipinos based in this European country.
Summary
Whether applying for OEC or changing employers, verifying your Employment Contract helps ensure you’re legally employed abroad. Furthermore, it verifies if your employment contract meets the minimum standards of POEA and the host government.
So if vacationing, secure a verified Employment Contract before returning to the Philippines to avoid hassles in the OEC application or being offloaded at the airport.