Formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) verify the Employment Contracts of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to ensure they’re legally employed. A verified Employment Contract is essential for Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) application, an exit clearance for Filipinos leaving the Philippines to work overseas. If you’re an OFW, keep reading to learn the process of Individual Contract Verification in MWO Tokyo, Japan.
The Labor Attaché verifies the Employment Contract to ensure OFWs’ contracts comply with the prevailing laws of the Philippines and the host country. Aside from being an OEC requirement, a verified contract helps protect OFWs’ rights, benefits, and welfare while working overseas. Thus, OFWs who have changed employers or job sites, especially those vacationing in the Philippines, should verify their Employment Contract in MWO Tokyo before leaving Japan.
Contents
Qualifications
Before applying for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Tokyo, Japan, check 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)
Requirements
For qualified employers of Filipino workers, here are the following documentary requirements for Individual Contract Verification in MWO Tokyo, Japan (one original and photocopy of each document):
For Household Service Workers (HSWs)
Returning to the same employer but with an interruption in the duration of employment service with that employer
- Duly accomplished POEA Standard Employment Contract
- Addendum to the Company Employment Contract with the missing provisions (in case the Company Contract lacks some POEA-prescribed provisions) – signed by the employer and worker
- Copy of worker’s passport (data page only) – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
- Copy of valid and appropriate visa, work permit, or residence card
- Any proof of employment with the previous employer rehiring the worker (such as a Certificate of Employment or Employment Contract)
- Copy of previously issued OEC or MWO-verified Employment Contract
- Copy of the medical insurance granted to the worker
- Copy of the employer’s valid passport and resident card
- Original copy of the employer’s Certificate of Employment issued by the company
- Letter of Guarantee of the employer submitted to Japan Immigration
Changed employer on-site and started employment with the said new employer and those without existing records/not registered with POEA
- Duly accomplished POEA Standard Employment Contract
- Amendment to the Company Employment Contract with the missing provisions (in case the Company Contract lacks some POEA-prescribed provisions) – signed by the employer and worker
- Copy of valid and appropriate visa, work permit, or residence card
- Copy of worker’s passport (data page only) – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
- Any proof of employment with the current employer (such as a Certificate of Employment or pay slips)
- Sworn Statement of the worker explaining the employment process with the current employer (click here for the sample)
- Copy of the medical insurance granted to the worker
- Copy of the employer’s valid passport and resident card
- Original copy of the employer’s Certificate of Employment issued by the company
- Letter of Guarantee of the employer submitted to Japan Immigration
For Professional/Skilled Workers
Returning to the same employer but with an interruption in the duration of employment service with that employer
- Duly accomplished POEA Standard Employment Contract
- Addendum to the Company Employment Contract with the missing provisions (in case the Company Contract lacks some POEA-prescribed provisions) – signed by the employer and worker
- Copy of valid and appropriate visa or residence card
- Copy of worker’s passport (data page only) – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
- Any proof of employment with the previous employer rehiring the worker (such as a Certificate of Employment, Employment Contract, valid company ID, latest pay slips)
- Copy of previously issued OEC or MWO-verified Employment Contract
- Copy of the Shakai Hoken granted to the worker
- Copy of valid ID or passport of the authorized representative who signed the Employment Contract (with English translation)
- For Companies- Company Registration (with English translation)
- For Sole Proprietors- Tax Certificate (with English translation)
- Other relevant documents required by MWO Tokyo
Changed employer on-site and started employment with the said new employer and those without existing records/not registered with POEA
- Duly accomplished POEA Standard Employment Contract
- Addendum to the Company Employment Contract with the missing provisions (in case the Company Contract lacks some POEA-prescribed provisions) – signed by the employer and worker
- Copy of valid and appropriate visa or residence card
- Copy of worker’s passport (data page only) – with at least six (6) months validity before the intended date of departure
- Any proof of employment with the current employer where the worker will resume the job (such as current Certificate of Employment, valid company ID, or latest pay slips)
- Sworn Statement of the worker explaining the employment process with the current employer (click here for the template)
- Copy of the Shakai Hoken granted to the worker
- Copy of valid ID or passport of the authorized representative who signed the Employment Contract (with English translation)
- For Companies- Company Registration (with English translation)
- For Sole Proprietors- Tax Certificate (with English translation)
- Other relevant documents required by MWO Tokyo
Fees
Also, pay the applicable fees for Contract Verification:
- Contract Verification fee- Not available (Contact MWO Tokyo for the specific fees)
- 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 Tokyo, Japan
To verify an Employment Contract in MWO Tokyo, Japan, follow the steps below:
Via Mail
- Secure the complete documentary requirements.
- Send the documents to MWO Tokyo (previously POLO) via post mail:
5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537
Philippine Embassy, MWO Tokyo, Japan
- Include a duly accomplished chakubarai (sagawa) or return letter pack (JP).
- MWO Tokyo will notify you with the payment instruction if the documents are complete. But documents will be returned if incomplete.
- Pay the verification fees.
- Once payment is received, MWO Tokyo will send the verified documents using the return letter pack.
Via MWO Tokyo Mobile Service
- Visit MWO-OWWA Tokyo Facebook page.
- Inquire/check for the upcoming venue and schedule MWO Tokyo Mobile Service.
- If applicable, set an appointment with MWO Tokyo for Contract Verification.
- Go to the venue of MWO Tokyo Mobile Service.
- Submit your complete documentary requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Then, collect the official receipt and wait for the issuance of your verified Employment Contract.
Summary
Whether vacationing or not, OFWs who have changed their employers/job sites and those not yet registered with POEA should process their Individual Contract Verification in MWO Tokyo, Japan.
OFWs with verified Employment Contracts can avail services from MWO and their partners and avoid issues obtaining OEC. Also, OFWs may contact MWO Tokyo via email at oec.tokyo88@gmail.com for labor-related concerns.