In the past, there were several government agencies handling the concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs): the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and others. Since 2022, however, the functions of all of these agencies had been “combined” through the establishment of a single entity: the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Today, the DMW operates 16 Regional Offices (ROs) around the Philippines, and 39 Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in different parts of the globe. For Filipinos working in Hong Kong, there’s a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) that caters to their various needs and concerns as OFWs.
What is the Migrant Workers Office?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) serves as the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which was established through Republic Act No. 11641 in 2022. The MWO is tasked to protect the rights as well as promote the welfare and interests of Filipinos who are working in Hong Kong.
Functions and Responsibilities
According to its official website, the functions and responsibilities of MWO Hong Kong are the following:
- Ensuring the protection of the rights and promoting the welfare and interests of OFWs, and assisting them on all problems related to employer-employee relationships;
- Promoting and implementing the DMW’s overseas employment program, in line with the overall policy thrust of the Philippine government;
- Verifying employment contracts and other employment-related documents;
- Monitoring and reporting to the Home Office situations and policy developments in Hong Kong that may affect Filipino migrant workers and Philippine labor policies;
- Supervising and coordinating the operations of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC);
- Pursuing a needs-based community development and relations program, and engaging in socio-cultural activities organized by the Philippine government, Hong Kong government, Filipino communities, and other entities; and
- Performing other functions that may be assigned by the Secretary of Migrant Workers.
Programs and Services
MWO Hong Kong provide different types of services to OFWs, including employment contract verification, employer accreditation, OEC issuance, welfare services, SSS-related services, and more:
Employment Contract Verification
The MWO is responsible for checking and ensuring that the employment contracts of OFWs are consistent with the employment laws and standards in the Philippine and in Hong Kong. It also makes sure that all documentary requirements are complied with.
Accreditation of Employers
The MWO, as the operating arm of the DMW, is tasked to verify the documentary requirements for accreditation of foreign employers/principals that intend to hire OFWs through a licensed Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA). Usually, this accreditation is valid for four (4) years, to be renewed regularly.
Overseas Employment Certificate
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document issued by the DMW. It serves as a “travel exit clearance” for OFWs, both newly-hired and returning OFWs (Balik Manggagawa).
Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, the OEC is presented to the Immigration Officer at the airport when an OFW is leaving the Philippines. Aside from serving as proof that an OFW is “legit,” the OEC exempts the OFW from paying travel tax and terminal fees.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
As an attached agency of the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is also mandated to protect the interests and promote the welfare of OFWs and their dependents. It is involved in all stages of an OFW’s overseas journey: pre-departure, arrival, stay in host country, and return to the Philippines.
Before leaving the Philippines, OFWs are required to attend OWWA’s pre-departure orientations and basic language training (if needed). In the host country, OWWA provides different types of services, as well. Eventually, when an OFW returns to the Philippines, he/she can avail of livelihood trainings and programs provided by OWWA.
In addition, OWWA members are entitles to several benefits, including disability, dismemberment, death, and burial benefits.
SSS Services
Another attached agency of the MWO is the Social Security System or SSS, a government-run social insurance program for Filipino workers, both inside and outside the Philippines. As members of the SSS, OFWs can avail of various benefits, including: maternity benefit, sickness benefit, disability benefit, unemployment benefits, retirement benefit (pension), and more. In cases of natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, or earthquakes — those whose homes and families have been affected may also apply for a calamity loan.
Pag-IBIG Fund Services
The Pag-IBIG Fund or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) is another state-run agency; it is part of the Philippine Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). It provides affordable housing loans and savings programs, namely: Pag-IBIG 1 Savings Program, Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings Program, Housing Loan, Multi-Purpose Loan, Calamity Loan, and more.
Video: Filipino Domestic Workers in Hong Kong
Domestic workers comprise majority of OFWs in Hong Kong; in fact, there are currently more than 200,000 Filipino domestic workers here. The following video shared by the Migrant Workers Office – HONG KONG Facebook page features Johnna, one of the many Pinoy domestic workers based in Hong Kong:
Contact Information: MWO Hong Kong
If you are an OFW based in Hong Kong and you need help, assistance, or information — you can get in touch with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) through the following contact details. Please note that 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
Hong Kong has been home to thousands upon thousands of OFWs for many decades now. Thanks to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), we can rest assured that our kababayans here are well taken care of, with their rights and well-being protected. Indeed, the MWO serves its noble purpose as the “tahanan” (home) of OFWs abroad.
Meanwhile, as OFWs, it’s important to make sure that our passports are also safe and up to date. If your passport is expiring anytime soon, check out this guide on how you can renew your Philippine passport in Hong Kong.