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Updated October 2024

Key takeaways

OFWs need employment contract verification to obtain the mandatory Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

Verification is available online for limited days or offline at the MWO office.

OFWs in the UAE must meet a minimum wage requirement of AED 1,500 per month.

Table of Contents

Employment contract verification

Overseas Filipino Workers, commonly known as OFWs, are Filipino nationals employed abroad. This term includes a diverse range of professions, such as domestic workers, construction workers, nurses, engineers, and more.

Verifying an employment contract is a crucial step for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). You can’t get the OEC without this verification.

OFWs planning to work or return to the UAE must obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) before leaving the Philippines. The OEC is required for all OFWs and proves legal overseas recruitment. If you’re an OFW in Dubai, check out our dedicated OEC article to find out if you’re eligible for an exemption.

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Requirements

For domestic workers:

Two copies of the UAE domestic labor contract or POEA standard employment contract (Note: contract should indicate the minimum basic wage of AED 1,500 per month.
Two copies of the addendum to the employment contract.
Two copies of the worker’s valid passport.
Two copies of valid visa or Emirates ID

For skilled workers:

Two copies of the UAE domestic labor contract indicating the minimum basic wage of AED 1,500 per month
Two copies of the worker’s valid passport.
Two copies of valid visa or Emirates ID
Take note of the following requirements in case of contract discrepancies:
- For job titles, a company explanation letter must be submitted.
- If job titles or company names differ between the contract and the visa/Emirates ID, supporting documents (e.g., a company explanation letter, trade licenses) must be provided.

For seabased workers:

Two copies of a valid employment contract with a minimum basic wage of AED 1,500 per month.
Two copies of the worker’s valid passport.
Two copies of a valid visa or Emirates ID issued in Dubai or the Northern Emirates. If issued in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, proof of the actual work address in Dubai or the Northern Emirates is required.
Two copies of a completed one-page contract, signed by both the employer and worker
Please note the following:
- If job titles or company names differ between the contract and the visa/Emirates ID, supporting documents (e.g., a company explanation letter, trade licenses) must be provided.
- Contracts with a basic wage below AED 1,500 must be amended to meet the minimum requirement.

Process

Online

You can easily complete contract verification online by filling out a form, but these are only available for 2-3 days a month on a quota basis. Check the Migrant Worker’s Office (MWO) website for specific opening dates.

For October 2024, the form is open from 21 to 23 October or until the quota is filled, closing at 11:59 PM on the 23rd. Results will be emailed by 31 October, and you can expect to receive your approved contracts by 5 or 6 November.

Offline

For offline verification, visit the MWO in person, or send an authorized representative with an Emirates ID and authorization letter if you’re unable to submit it yourself.

Fee

The processing fee for both online and offline methods is AED 40.00. However, for the offline method, payments must be made in cash only, and you will receive a receipt as proof of payment.

Overview of OFW working conditions

Working hours

The working hours for OFWs in the UAE are in accordance with the UAE labor law. Details are as follows:

Maximum of 8 hours a day for a 48-hour work week (can be increased to 9 hours a day in commercial establishments)
Reduced working hours during Ramadan
No employee shall work for 5 consecutive hours without breaks for rest and meals of at least 1 hour

There are additional laws and regulations concerning overtime and other issues. Please consult the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation website for more info.

Salary

The salary for Overseas Filipino Workers in the UAE varies according to various factors, such as their profession, contract, and employers.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership is offered to OFWs, granting them opportunities to avail themselves of various salary-related benefits as overseas workers.

For more information on this topic, you can check out our dedicated article on OWWA membership.

Benefits

There is no minimum wage in the UAE
Overtime pay: 25% of basic salary
Overtime pay (9 PM to 4 AM): 50% of basic salary
Overtime shall not exceed 2 hours, except in emergency cases
Work on rest day/holiday: substitute rest day + 50% basic salary or regular day’s pay + 50%
Annual Leave Pay: Basic salary + housing allowance only (other allowances are not paid)
End of service gratuity
Wages Protection System: employers pay employees’ wages through banks and authorized institutions.

Conditions for payment

OFWs will be paid based on the following conditions:

Paid in Dirhams at the place of work (or through bank transfer)
Paid at least once a month (salaries are considered delayed if not paid within 15 days from the wage cut-off date) except daily wage earners (paid once every 3 weeks)
Employee shall not be required to purchase food or other commodities from a particular shop