Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Syria who have changed employers/job sites or don’t have a POEA record should verify their Employment Contract at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). In addition, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly POEA, requires this document for vacationing OFWs applying for Overseas Employment Certificate, an exit clearance for Filipinos leaving the country to work abroad. That’s why we’ve created a guide for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Syria, so read on.
The Labor Attaché verifies OFWs’ contracts to ensure it complies with the current laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. By authenticating the Employment Contract, OFWs can protect their rights, welfare, and benefits, ensuring they’re legally employed abroad. Moreover, OFWs cannot secure their OEC if they don’t have a verified contract. Thus, OFWs should undergo Individual Contract Verification in MWO Syria whenever necessary.
Contents
Qualifications
If you wish to apply for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Syria, 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)
Do note OFWs no longer need to authenticate their renewed contracts if they have previously obtained a verified Employment Contract with their present employer. However, they should still work for the same employer and submit their old verified and renewed contracts when processing their BM employment certificate.
Requirements
For qualified OFWs, here are the following documentary requirements you should prepare for Individual Contract Verification in Syria:
- 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
Also, note that the requirements may change without prior notice. Considering limited information regarding Individual Contract Verification, we advise OFWs to contact the Philippine Embassy in Syria for more details.
Fees
After securing the necessary documents, OFWs should also pay the following applicable fees:
- Contract Verification fee- Not indicated (For more details, contact the Philippine Embassy or MWO Syria)
- 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 Syria
As of writing, OFWs have two options to verify their Employment Contract in Syria. The first option is to set an appointment to visit MWO Syria. The second option is to partake in the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy and MWO Syria. To do so, follow the step below:
Via On-site Contract Verification (MWO Syria)
- Set an appointment with MWO Syria thru:
The Philippine Embassy in Syria
Telephone: +963 949 155 557
Email: pe.damascus@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria
Note: Don’t forget to inquire about the latest documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Secure the complete documentary requirements.
- Visit MWO Syria on the day of your appointment.
- Present your confirmed appointment letter, valid ID, and vaccination card to the security personnel.
- Secure 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 Syria.
- Inquire regarding the upcoming schedule and venue of the Consular Outreach Mission. (Note: Ask if the event will include labor-related services.)
- Set an appointment for Contract Verification, if applicable.
- Print or screenshot the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Head to the designated venue of the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Present your confirmed appointment letter, valid ID, and vaccination card to the security personnel.
- Go 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.
Reminders
Please take note of the following reminders if processing Individual Contract Verification in MWO Syria:
- OFWs should verify their Employment Contract at MWO Syria before vacationing in the Philippines.
- MWO Syria will not process and verify the Employment Contracts of OFWs with incomplete documentary requirements.
- All clients visiting the Philippine Embassy or MWO Syria should wear appropriate clothing.
- The security personnel may refuse entry to clients wearing strictly prohibited attire, such as strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers.
- Since there’s limited information about Individual Contract Verification, we advise OFWs to ask the Philippine Embassy in Syria regarding the latest requirements, fees, and process.
- For more details, contact the Philippine Embassy in Syria thru the following:
- Telephone: +963 949 155 557
- Email: pe.damascus@gmail.com
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a verified contract in Syria?
You can get a verified contract thru the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Syria. Contact the Philippine Embassy in Syria and set an appointment for Individual Contract Verification to visit MWO.
Can I get an OEC without a verified contract?
No, you cannot get an OEC without a verified Employment Contract. Since it’s a requirement for OEC, you should verify your Employment Contract before applying for an exit clearance.
Can I process Contract Verification in the Philippines?
No, you cannot process Contract Verification in the Philippines since the designated MWO in your host country processes this document. Therefore, you should verify your Employment Contract before vacationing in the Philippines. But if you’re already in the Philippines without a verified Employment Contract, visit the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office for assistance.
Summary
To sum up, a verified Employment Contract protects OFWs while working abroad, ensuring they have legal employers and their contract follows POEA’s standard requirements for employing Filipino workers. In addition, it ensures OFWs can access the benefits MWOs and their partners provide. Therefore, before vacationing in the Philippines or changing employer/job sites, OFWs should process Individual Contract Verification in MWO Syria.