Individual Contract Verification in MWO Wellington, New Zealand

Through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in New Zealand can verify their Employment Contracts to ensure the legality of their work abroad and protect their welfare. Moreover, it’s a primary requirement to obtain Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), a travel pass required for Filipinos departing the country to work overseas. With that said, read on as we share our in-depth guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Wellington, New Zealand.

Verifying the Employment Contract of OFWs is a way for the Labor Attaché to check if their contracts follow the current laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. With this process, OFWs can verify if they’re employed by legal employers and protect their rights and benefits. That’s why we encourage OFWs to process their Individual Contract Verification in MWO Wellington, New Zealand, whenever they change employer and job site or plan to vacation in the Philippines.

contract verification in migrant workers office mwo new zealand

Qualifications

For OFWs planning to apply for Individual Contract Verification MWO Wellington, New Zealand, 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 (such as dependents, permanent residents, petitioned family members, spouse or fiance visas)
  • Filipino workers on a fixed-term contract (verify every renewal)

But note that OFWs who have verified contracts with their current employer no longer have to undergo Individual Contract Verification when they renew their contracts. Just present the old verified contract and the renewed one to apply for Balik Manggagawa, given they still work for the same employer.

Requirements

The following documentary requirements for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Wellington apply to OFWs in New Zealand, Cook Island, French Polynesia, Marshal Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tonga:

  • Copy of the original Employment Contract – signed on all pages by the employer and worker
  • Copy of the signed Addendum to the Employment Contract as hereto attached compliance with POEA’s minimum requirements in hiring Filipino workers abroad, which form part of the existing Employment Contract
  • Certificate of Insurance and Policy with provision for repatriation and medical evacuation to the Philippines in case of the worker’s sudden death or severe illness
  • Copy of worker’s valid work visa
  • Copy of worker’s passport (data page only) – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
  • Any proof of current employment, like a recent pay slip, Company ID, or Certificate of Employment
  • Paid self-addressed return envelope or airway bill from an international courier with the tracking number sticker

For workers who changed employer on-site or ate not yet registered with POEA

  • Sworn Statement of the worker, explaining the employment process with the current employer, name of previous employer, and if visa status was changed (for instance, from visitor/student visa to work visa) – notarial is no longer needed.

Note: The Sworn Statement should be a handwritten or typewritten declaration duly signed by the worker.

Fees

Apart from the documents listed above, OFWs should pay the applicable fees for Contract Verification:

  • Contract Verification fee- NZ$ 16.00
  • 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 Wellington, New Zealand

Based on the official website of the Philippines Embassy in New Zealand, OFWs should personally submit their documentary requirements for Contract Verification to MWO if residing within Wellington. Meanwhile, OFWs outside Wellington can submit their documents to MWO New Zealand thru NZPost courier with a tracking number sticker.

In addition, Philippine Embassy and MWO New Zealand conduct Consular Outreach Missions, making it easier for OFWs in farther areas to access consular and labor-related services, such as Contract Verification. To verify an Employment Contract in MWO Wellington, New Zealand, follow the steps below:

Via On-site or Mail/Courier

  1. Gather the complete documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
  2. Prepare the original copy and one (1) photocopy of each document.
  3. Submit the documentary requirements to MWO New Zealand.
  4. If within Wellington, set an appointment with MWO New Zealand to submit the documents.
  5. If outside Wellington, send the documents via NZPost courier with a tracking number sticker to:
    • Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO Wellington),
    • Level 1, 286 Thornday Quay, Pipitea,
    • Wellington 6011, New Zealand
    • Also, don’t forget to include a paid self-addressed return envelope to receive the documents and verified contract.
  6. If visiting MWO New Zealand, bring the complete documentary requirements and proof of confirmed appointment. Then, submit the documents and pay the applicable fees (cash only).
  7. But if transacting thru mail/courier, wait for the payment instruction from MWO New Zealand. Next, pay the Contract Verification fee thru GCash.
  8. Afterward, collect your official receipt and wait for the release of your verified Employment Contract.

Note: We advise OFWs to contact MWO Wellington to confirm if they still verify Employment Contract on-site or thru mail/courier only. Also, MWO Wellington will return incomplete documents and payment sent thru courier/mail.

Via Consular Outreach Mission

  1. Visit the Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand.
  2. Check the upcoming venue and schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission. Also, you may inquire at MWO New Zealand via email at polo.newzealand@philembassy.org.nz.
  3. Set an appointment for Contract Verification, if required.
  4. Head to the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
  5. Submit your complete documents for evaluation.
  6. If requirements are complete, pay the applicable fees (cash only).
  7. Then, collect your official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.

Summary

To sum up, the verification of Employment Contracts helps register recruited Filipino workers to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Furthermore, a verified contract serves as OFWs’ proof that they’re legal and documented workers. OFWs with verified contracts can also access services from MWOs and their partners.

Since it’s a requirement for OEC application, OFWs should secure a verified Employment Contract at MWO before vacationing in the Philippines. Therefore, OFWs in New Zealand should verify their Employment Contracts thru the Consular Outreach Mission or by sending the requirements to MWO Wellington via mail/courier.

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