The new online verification system developed by Department of Migrant Workers in partnership with the DataFlow Group. EXPAT MEDIA

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Dubai, Sharjah, and other northern emirates can now verify their employment contracts entirely online—without needing to visit the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in partnership with the DataFlow Group, officially launched the pilot phase of the fully online contract verification system on Monday (July 7). The system is aimed at providing a faster, more secure, and hassle-free experience for OFWs seeking contract verification, particularly those with visas or Emirates IDs issued in Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. “This fast, secure, and hassle-free system will provide an option to OFWs to apply for contract verification wherever they are and have their employment contract verified faster and without having to travel to MWO-Dubai,” said Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista. The new system allows users to upload documents, pay the verification fee online, and download their verified contracts—all from the comfort of their home. This replaces the previous “partially online” setup that still required workers to physically visit MWO-Dubai for payment and document collection.

Pilot period and daily limit

The pilot implementation will run for 30 days, during which only 200 applications per day will be accepted from Monday to Friday. The system opens at 8am and automatically closes once the limit is reached, or at 11:59pm, whichever comes first. DMW said the daily limit may increase as system capacity improves. Contract verification will be completed in three working days, provided applicants submit complete and accurate documents and pay the appropriate fees. Verified contracts will be downloadable through the portal, and corresponding Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) will be accessible via portal.dmw.gov.ph. Labor Attaché Bautista encouraged OFWs to provide feedback through a survey at the end of the application process, which will be used to evaluate the system’s long-term feasibility.

Walk-in option still available

The online system is optional. Those with urgent travel can still verify their employment contracts manually at MWO-Dubai one working day before their flight. This includes OFWs who: • Are flying the next day and were unable to submit documents online • Have authorized representatives submitting on their behalf • Are currently in the Philippines and missed pre-departure verification • Were specifically instructed by MWO-Dubai to appear in person MWO-Dubai emphasized that walk-in visits should be scheduled in consideration of weekends and holidays. For example, if an OFW's flight falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, they must visit MWO-Dubai by the preceding Thursday or Friday. If the day before the flight is a holiday, OFWs should come on the nearest working day. MWO-Dubai said the system aims to reduce congestion in the office and offer greater flexibility to workers.

How to apply for online contract verification

Step 1: Go to dmw.dataflowgroup.com Step 2: Upload the following required documents: • Employment Contract • Emirates ID • First page of Passport Step 3: Pay the online convenience fee of Dh21.50 and verification fee of Dh40 Step 4: Wait for your application to be processed (within 3 working days) Step 5: Download your Employment Contract Verification Report Step 6: Log in to portal.dmw.gov.ph to download your OEC

Walk-in contract verification guide

Who can walk in: • OFWs flying the next day and unable to apply online • OFWs with representatives submitting documents for them • OFWs currently in the Philippines who missed pre-departure contract verification • OFWs instructed by MWO-Dubai to appear in person When to visit: • If your flight is on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, visit MWO-Dubai by Thursday or Friday • If your flight falls after a holiday, visit the office on the nearest working day prior For authorized representatives: • May submit documents 1–3 days before the OEC appointment in the Philippines • Or 2–5 days before the OFW’s return flight to the UAE ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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