Are you a newly-hired overseas Filipino worker (OFW) bound for Hong Kong? Or perhaps you are already based in HK, about to renew your contract or change jobs? Either way, it’s important to have your employment contract verified at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which serves as the operating arm of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Hong Kong.
At the MWO, officials will check to make sure that your employment contract is consistent with the labor laws, standards, and practices — both in Hong Kong and in the Philippines. They will also see to it that all the documents required by the DMW are complete.
Guide to Employment Contract Verification for OFWs in HK
Whether you’re a domestic worker, a skilled worker, or a professional who’s about to work or change jobs in Hong Kong, having your employment contract verified is a must. The contract should clearly state your job title, salary, benefits, working hours, duties, rest days, and other details. Employment contracts of OFWs are checked and verified at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Who Needs Employment Contract Verification?
According to the official website of MWO Hong Kong, those who need employment contract verification include the following:
- Filipino workers who are registered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and have changed employers on-site;
- Filipino nationals who are working abroad without DMW records; and
- Filipino nationals with prospective employers, and with employment visas that have been approved by the Immigration Department.
Required Documents
Here are the documentary requirements for OFWs who will undergo employment contract verification. Take note that the list varies between domestic workers and skilled/professional workers, and also between those who are undergoing contract renewal or a change of employer (and already in HK), or direct hire (still in the Philippines).
For Domestic Workers – Contract Renewal
These requirements apply to domestic workers who are already in Hong Kong, and whose employment contracts are up for renewal:
- Two (2) sets of Original Standard Employment Contract;
- Copy of Employer’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page);
- Copy of Domestic Worker’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page);
- Original and Photocopy of Domestic Worker’s Passport;
- Printed Copy of the New Employment E-Visa (effective December 28, 2021); and
- Filled out Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) OFW Information Sheet.
For Domestic Workers – Change of Employer
The following requirements apply to domestic workers who are going to work for a different employer in Hong Kong:
- Two (2) sets of Original Standard Employment Contract;
- Copy of Employer’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page);
- Copy of Domestic Worker’s HK ID (with contact number written on the same page);
- Original and photocopy of Domestic Worker’s Passport;
- Printed copy of the New Employment E-Visa (effective December 28, 2021); and
- Filled out OWWA OFW Information Sheet.
NOTE: Visit this link for more info about the New Employment E-Visa. Meanwhile, go to this link to download the OWWA OFW Information Sheet.
For Skilled/Professional OFWs – Presently Employed
These requirements apply to skilled workers or professionals in Hong Kong, including those who are already at the jobsite or have recently changed employers on-site:
- Photocopy of Passport (valid for at least six months from the date of intended departure);
- Photocopy of appropriate Visa;
- Proof of employment (provide at least 1) — original Certificate of Employment, ID issued by the Company, or Payslip;
- Original Employment Contract; and
- Photocopy of Business Registration/Company Profile.
For Skilled/Professional OFWs – Still in the Philippines
The following requirements apply to “direct hire” Filipino nationals who are still in the Philippines and bound for Hong Kong:
- Letter addressed to the Labor Attaché;
- Photocopy of Passport (valid for at least six months from the date of intended departure);
- Photocopy of appropriate Visa;
- Original Employment Contract w/ Repatriation Clause; and
- Photocopy of Business Registration/Company Profile.
Required Fees
In addition to the above documents, there’s a Verification Fee of HKD 80 for domestic workers, and from HKD 80 to HKD 240 for skilled/professional workers. For all types of workers, there’s also an OWWA Membership Fee of HKD 196, if your OWWA membership is already expired or about to expire.
Procedure
The process for employment contract verification varies for domestic workers and skilled/professional workers.
For Domestic Workers
To have your employment contract verified, follow these steps:
- Submit the required documents to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Windows 1-5.
- Pay the Verification Fee.
- Submit the OWWA Information Sheet to Counters 6-8.
- Pay the OWWA Membership Fee (if your membership is expired or about to expire).
- On the same day, pick up your verified employment contract at Counters A and B.
NOTE: The above procedure applies to domestic workers undergoing contract renewal or change of employer only. It does not apply to newly-hired workers.
For Skilled/Professional OFWs
Meanwhile, here is a step-by-step guide for the contract verification of skilled/professional workers:
- Submit the required documents to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Window 10 for evaluation during these days and times: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, or 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
- Pay the Verification Fee on the date of release.
NOTE: For workers who are not registered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or who have changed employers on-site, present your verified employment contract to the DMW upon your return/vacation in the Philippines to process your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
Video: Contract Employment Verification for OFWs
To know more about the employment contract verification process, watch this video shared by OWWA Member YouTube channel:
Contact Information: MWO Hong Kong
If you have any questions or concerns regarding employment contract verification, you can get in touch with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) through these contact details. The office is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every Sunday to Thursday, except during holidays.
Address: 2902 29/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2866 0640 / +852 2865 2445
Email: mwo_hongkong@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://mwohk-ph.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWOHONGKONG
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Aside from helping to ensure that your employment contract is consistent with the labor laws and policies of the Philippines and Hong Kong, contract verification is typically required for issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) — a document which certifies that an OFW is legally deployed.
To learn more about the OEC, check out this guide to applying for your OEC certificate in Hong Kong.