For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea, securing a verified Employment Contract is essential to check the legality of your work and employer. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration also requires this document for OFWs obtaining their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), an exit clearance for Filipinos leaving the country to work abroad. With that said, we’ve created an in-depth guide on the process for Individual Contract Verification in South Korea, so read on.
A verified Employment Contract helps OFWs protect their rights, welfare, and benefits. Through this process, the Labor Attaché can check if the Employment Contracts of OFWs comply with the current laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country where they work. Therefore, we advised OFWs who have changed employers on-site and those not yet registered or without POEA records to process their Individual Contract Verification in the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) South Korea.
Contents
Qualifications
If you wish to verify your employment documents, here are the following qualifications for Individual Contract Verification in MWO South Korea:
- 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 previously verified their employment documents with their present employer don’t have to validate their renewed contracts. During the BM employment certificate application, show the old verified and renewed contracts if the OFW still works for the same employer.
Requirements
Those who are qualified to process Individual Contract Verification in MWO South Korea should secure the following documentary requirements below:
- 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 may change without prior notice. Also, there’s limited information regarding Contract Verification. Thus, OFWs should contact MWO South Korea via email at labor@philembassy-seoul.com for the latest list of requirements.
Fees
Aside from the documents stated earlier, OFWs who wish to verify their contract should pay the following applicable fees:
- Contract Verification fee- Not available (Contact MWO South Korea 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 South Korea
There are two methods OFWs can choose from to verify an Employment Contract in MWO South Korea. The first method is on-site at MWO South Korea, while the second option is thru Consular Outreach Mission. The Philippine Embassy and MWO South Korea conduct Consular Outreach Missions in areas under their jurisdiction. So OFWs can check their official Facebook pages for more updates on the upcoming schedules of the Consular Outreach Mission.
To verify Employment Contract in MWO South Korea, follow the steps below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO South Korea)
- Gather the complete documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
- Contact MWO South Korea thru their Facebook page or email at labor@philembassy-seoul.com to set an appointment, if applicable.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Show the security personnel proof of your confirmed appointment and a valid ID.
- Secure a token number from the personnel.
- Go to the processing window and submit your documentary requirements for evaluation.
- If the requirements are complete, pay the applicable fees.
- Then, collect the official receipt and wait for the release of your verified Employment Contract.
Via Consular Outreach Mission
- Visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy and MWO South Korea.
- Check the upcoming schedule and venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Email MWO South Korea regarding the latest documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
- Gather the complete requirements. Next, submit the documents to MWO South Korea at labor@philembassy-seoul.com for pre-evaluation.
- Once qualified for Contract Verification, set an appointment for the Consular Outreach Mission if applicable.
- Head to the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Submit your complete documentary requirements.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Afterward, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Reminders
Before requesting Individual Contract Verification in MWO South Korea, please take note of the following reminders:
- The verified Employment Contract is only available at MWO. Thus, OFWs should process Contract Verification in MWO South Korea before vacationing in the Philippines.
- MWO South Korea will not process the employment documents of applicants with incomplete requirements.
- Email MWO South Korea for the updated list of requirements.
- If an appointment is required, print or take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment schedule MWO South Korea sent to your email. Also, bring it on your visit to MWO South Korea as proof of appointment.
- OFWs visiting the Embassy of MWO South Korea should wear appropriate clothing. If not, the security personnel will forbid entry to clients wearing strictly prohibited attire, such as strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers.
- For more details on Individual Contract Verification, OFWs may contact MWO South Korea thru the following:
- MWO South Korea Facebook page
- Email- labor@philembassy-seoul.com
- Contact Number- 010-6591-6290
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a verified contract in South Korea?
OFWs in South Korea can get their verified Employment Contract at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, 17 Hoenamu-ro 42-gil, Yo.
Can I get an OEC without a verified contract?
No, you cannot since it’s a prerequisite to the OEC application. If vacationing, obtain your verified Employment Contract at MWO South Korea to avoid issues in the OEC application at the POEA office Philippines.
Can I process Contract Verification in the Philippines?
No, you cannot process nor obtain a verified Employment Contract in the Philippines. Since the Migrant Worker’s Offices (MWOs) issue a verified contract, OFWs can only secure this document at the designated MWO in their host country. On the other hand, OFWs who are now in the Philippines but failed to secure a verified contract can contact the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for assistance.
Summary
To sum up, a verified Employment Contract is essential to OFWs. Without it, they cannot obtain their OEC from POEA and leave the Philippines for overseas employment, especially vacationing OFWs who will return to their job site to renew or fulfill their contracts.
It gives OFWs protection and access to the benefits provided by MWO South Korea and its partners. That’s why OFWs should verify their contract in MWO whenever necessary.