Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), which represent the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) abroad, regularly collect verification fees for processing employment contracts and other documents. These fees are used to pay for the office’s operating expenses, and to generally strengthen its administrative and operational capacities.
Recently, the DMW, through its representative MWOs worldwide, has begun implementing a new schedule of fees for verification of contracts and labor-related documents. All overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), employers, foreign placement agencies, and manning agencies are advised to be aware about these latest verification fees.
DMW, Other Agencies, Issue Circular on Verification
On December 12, 2024, the DMW, together with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), issued a joint circular that provides guidelines on the use of verification fee funds and schedule of verification fees.
Documents that undergo verification typically include Employment Contracts, Job Orders, Recruitment Agreements/Service Agreements (for land-based OFWs), Manning Agreements (for sea-based OFWs), Master/Model Contract of Employment, Crew Complement, Special Power of Attorney (SPA), and other papers related to overseas employment.
Among other criteria, these documents are verified for the legal personality and financial capability of the employer/principal, and viability of the project. They are also checked for consistency with the terms and conditions of the DMW for land-based and sea-based workers, as well as for compliance with the labor laws of the host country.
New Schedule of Verification Fees
Based on the joint circular issued by the DMW, DBM, and BTr, there’s a new schedule of fees for document verification of land-based as well as sea-based OFWs.
For Land-based Employment
Here are the verification fees for job contracts and other documents related to land-based employment. Fees are indicated in US dollars (per document).
To be paid by the OFW for individual employment contract:
- Those who have no Personal Data Sheet/DMW record — USD 10.00
- Those who transferred employment onsite — USD 10.00
- Third country hiring — USD 10.00
To be paid by the Employer/Foreign Placement Agency:
- Individual employment contract (domestic workers, cleaners, and other vulnerable groups) — USD 40.00
- Job Order — USD 40.00
- Recruitment Agreement — USD 40.00
- Master Employment Contract — USD 40.00
For Sea-based Employment
Meanwhile, here are the fees for verification of job contracts and other documents related to sea-based employment:
To be paid by the Manning Agency:
- Manning Agreement — USD 40.00
- Special Power of Attorney — USD 40.00
- Crew Complement — USD 40.00
In accordance with the joint circular, MWOs around the world have made announcements regarding the new schedule of fees. These include the following advisories issued by MWO Washington, D.C. (United States) and MWO State of Kuwait, respectively:
Image Credit: Mwo Wdc / Facebook
Image Credit: Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait / Facebook
Once again, all OFWs, employers, and placement agencies are advised to follow the latest schedule of verification fees. For the complete set of updated fees, you can visit the official website or social media page of the MWO in your host country. Don’t forget to share the information with your fellow OFWs, as well!