Previously known as POLO, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Taichung helps verify the Employment Contracts of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). A verified Employment Contract is essential for OFWs vacationing in the Philippines to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), an exit clearance for Filipinos working abroad. So if you’re wondering how this works, keep reading to learn the process of Individual Contract Verification in MECO Taichung, Taiwan (MWO Taichung).
Verifying an Employment Contract is an essential process to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs. It allows the Labor Attaché to check the contract of OFWs, ensuring it follows the prevailing employment laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. Thus, OFWs who have been re-hired and changed employers or job site should process their Individual Contract Verification in the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taichung or Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Taiwan.
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Qualifications
For those wondering who is qualified to undergo an Individual Contract Verification in (MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung), the applicant should meet any of the following qualifications:
- Filipino nationals without POEA records but working abroad
- 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
Requirements
If you meet any of the qualifications listed above, here are the following documentary requirements you must comply with for Individual Verification in MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung):
- Original Employment Contract with employer and worker’s signature
- Original and photocopy of worker’s passport with at least six (6) months validity before intended departure
- Photocopy of worker’s valid Work Visa
- Recent pay slip of worker
- Copy of employer’s ID
But since there’s limited information on the official Facebook page of MECO MWO Taichung, we advise OFWs in Taiwan to contact their office for the latest documentary requirements for Contract Verification.
Fees
Apart from the documents above, OFWs should pay the following applicable fees to process their Contract Verification in MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung):
- Contract Verification fee– NTD 1,435
- OWWA Membership fee– US$25 converted to local currency based on the foreign exchange rate (if OWWA membership is expired or about to expire)
However, the fees stated above may change without prior notice. Thus, you must contact MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung) for the updated amount they collect.
How to Verify Employment Contract in MECO Taichung, Taiwan (MWO Taichung)
As of writing, OFWs in Taiwan should set an appointment with MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung) via a designated link, according to MECO’s Facebook post. On the other hand, MECO also posted that the Kaohsiung extension office will remain open for walk-in transactions. To do so, follow the steps below to verify Employment Contract in MECO Taichung:
- Visit the official Facebook page of MECO MWO Taichung for the available appointment dates.
- Set an appointment with MECO Taichung thru this link. Alternatively, you may contact MECO Taichung at 0966-537-732 or 04-23228836 ext. 233 or ext. 14.
- Gather all the required documents.
- Before visiting MECO Taichung, contact their office to confirm your appointment schedule. Also, don’t forget to print or take a screenshot of your appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Next, visit MECO Taichung on the day of your appointment.
- Show proof of your confirmed appointment schedule, valid ID, and vaccination card.
- Get a queue number for Contract Verification.
- Go to the processing window and submit your documentary requirements.
- Pay the applicable fees if your requirements are complete.
- Then, collect your official receipt and wait for the release of your verified Employment Contract.
Reminders
Before you apply for Individual Contract Verification in MECO Taichung (MWO Taichung), please take note of the following reminders:
- Applicants should arrive on time at MECO Taichung on the day of their appointment.
- Applicants should monitor their health before visiting MECO Taichung. If the applicant is not feeling well, contact MECO Taichung to cancel the appointment.
- Wear a mask at all times when visiting MECO Taichung.
- Applicants visiting MECO Taichung should dress accordingly. It’s not allowed to wear strapless, spaghetti-strap blouses, tank tops, sando, skimpy skirts, shorts, leggings, and slippers. Thus, applicants wearing the said outfit will not be allowed entry to MECO Taichung premises.
- The documentary requirements should be in two (2) sets or copies.
- Applicants with incomplete documents will not be processed.
- Contact MECO MWO Taichung on their official Facebook page for details on Individual Contract Verification requirements and fees. Also, you may contact their office at 0966-537-732 or 04-23228836 ext. 233 or ext. 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Contract Verification?
Contract Verification is a process to verify the Employment Contracts of OFWs. It authenticates that the OFWs contract follows the employment laws, standards, and practices of the Philippines and the host country. Thus, it’s an essential step to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs.
How much is the Contract Verification fee in MECO Taichung?
The Contract Verification fee in MECO Taichung is NTD 1,435. But note that the verification fee may change without prior notice. So OFWs should contact MECO Taichung for the latest verification fee before visiting their office.
Can I get OEC without a verified Employment Contract?
You cannot secure an OEC if you don’t have a verified Employment Contract. It’s a primary requirement for OEC application, so you should verify your Employment Contract before returning to the Philippines for vacation.
Can I process Contract Verification in the Philippines?
The Migrant Worker’s Offices (MWOs) abroad process the Contract Verification. So OFWs cannot process Contract Verification in the Philippines. But if you returned to the country without e verified Employment Contract, visit the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office to help you with the process.
Summary
Whether you’re vacationing in the Philippines or not, it’s necessary to verify your Employment Contract to ensure your safety and the legality of your employer. If you were re-hired or changed employer or job site, verifying your Employment Contract helps protects your rights, benefits, and welfare. Meanwhile, this process is mandatory for OFWs not qualified for OEC exemption and vacationing in the Philippines.
A verified Employment Contract ensures you can obtain your OEC, a required document before an OFW can leave the country to work abroad. Also, on MWOs process the verification of Employment Contracts, so OFWs should prioritize it before leaving their job site.
If you forgot to verify your contract before vacationing, you can ask an authorized representative to process your request. Lastly, you can ask for assistance from the DMW office in the Philippines.