The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was established to protect the rights of every Overseas Filipino Worker and promote their welfare through programs and social benefits. Having said that, you need to apply for OWWA membership and renew it every two years to enjoy these privileges offered by OWWA. If you’re in the United Kingdom and are looking to update your OWWA status, you can visit the MWO-London office.
Filipinos abroad should consider being an active OWWA member as a necessary step to getting the most out of their contributions. The renewal process is important because it ensures that you can continue receiving all the benefits and services that you deserve as a hardworking OFW. With an insurance policy like this, you are also protected against unexpected events such as health crises and political wars.
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Requirements for OWWA in London United Kingdom
Since the pandemic, most OWWA transactions have been completed online in order to avoid compromising health safety. At the OWWA-London office, you have several options for sending your requirements for account renewal. You can email them to london@owwa.gov.ph or send a message to their POLO-OWWA London Facebook page.
One of the key requirements for the renewal process is proof of active employment abroad. In addition to that, you need to secure these required documents before going to the OWWA office in London:
Copy of valid Philippine passport with personal details and photo
Copy of valid work visa or work permit
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA fee is £23 and each paid contribution is valid for two years. You can renew your account at least three months before the expiration to make sure you can enjoy the benefits and programs continuously. Regardless of your employment location recruitment agency, contract duration, and change of employer, you are entitled to a two-year valid membership.
To pay for the fees, submit all the requirements via email and wait for the approval before paying the OWWA fee. Note that without the notification, you can’t proceed with the payment through the BCRemit app. If you still don’t have the app, download it on your mobile device and register so you can process your payment online.
Procedure for Getting OWWA London Appointment Online
For inquiries and other related concerns including how to get an appointment online, you can reach out to OWWA London’s official Facebook page or email them at london@owwa.gov.ph for a quick message. However, you may no longer need to book an appointment since financial transactions including the submission of requirements are processed online.
Make sure to double-check all the required documents and that your requirements are valid and accurate to enjoy a fast and smooth transaction. If you’re thinking of visiting the MWO office in London, be reminded that OFWs are highly advised to send an email to renew their accounts until further notice.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in London, United Kingdom
When applying for membership or renewing your OWWA account in London, you need to follow these simple steps:
Step 2: Scan the duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet as well as your current Philippine passport, work permit or residence, Certificate of Employment, or latest payslip as proof of employment.
Step 3: For dual citizens, send the scanned copy of the Certificate of Oath including the identification details. Make sure to review the requirements before submitting them online.
Step 4: Send the OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form, proof of active employment, work permit, valid Philippine passport, and Certificate of Oath to london@owwa.gov.ph or the POLO-OWWA London Facebook page.
Step 5: Wait for the email notification once the application has been accepted and how you can pay the fees. No payment will be collected if your request is not approved or you don’t get the email notification from MWO or OWWA London.
Step 6: Proceed to the payment and settle the contribution fee using your BCRemit app once the payment reminder has been received. Here are the steps for the payment process:
Download the BCRemit app on your mobile device.
Click BCRemit-Pay in the lower right section of the app in order to begin the transaction.
Select OWWA UK and then tap the button.
Type in your complete name, job position, and company name.
Click the Collection at the Embassy button to confirm payment.
Take a screenshot of the confirmation message as proof of a complete transaction.
Step 7: Send a message or email the OWWA London office for the fee payment from workers in Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland.
Step 8: Send a copy of the receipt to the Facebook page or email of OWWA London.
Step 9: After receiving the screenshot of the payment receipt, you will receive the official receipt in your email.
Step 10: You can also get a copy of your original receipt at the Philippine Embassy. Notify the OWWA office if you’re visiting to schedule an appointment.
Video: Good News! OWWA Membership Niyo Pwede Na Ipa Renew Sa Kamaganak sa Pilipinas
In this video, you will learn how to pay your OWWA membership fee in the Philippines by authorizing a family member or relative to pay it for you. It includes a step-by-step guide with some tips to complete the process in no time.
Summary
Enjoy the benefits and services of OWWA by activating your account every two years. Renewing your OWWA account in London, United Kingdom is simple and easy since it is done online. All payment transactions can be processed through your smartphone so there’s no need to fall in line or travel to visit the MWO office. You can easily send an email or message them on their Facebook page.
With the influx of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) working abroad, the Philippine government finds it imperative to show concern and extend its services to OFWs wherever they may be, with the help of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)—a special department that serves as the operational arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), created especially for overseas workers.
As a government agency, POLO was created with the OFWs in mind. That said, the agency was designed to cater to the rights and needs of these people—from employment and documentary verification and support to regulation and protection of the workers. POLO is also the department in charge of developing human resources abroad and facilitating the safe and legal recruitment and employment of even more qualified Filipinos in 34 different countries abroad. To learn more about POLO, its purpose, functions, services, and responsibilities as an agency out to serve the Filipinos, keep reading this guide here:
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What is POLO?
POLO stands for Philippine Overseas Labor Office. It is a government agency stationed abroad to extend the operations of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as well as its protection, assistance, and services of the Philippine government to the migrant Filipino workers in the different parts of the world.
POLO is the primary agency in charge of enforcing the DOLE policies, initiatives, and programs for Filipinos abroad. It is led and managed by a Labor Attaché. Together with an Assistant Labor Attaché, Welfare Officers, Administrative Assistants, Staff Workers, and other locally hired personnel, POLO also manages the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFWRC)—a temporary venue for POLO service delivery.
Since it launched, POLO has been staying true to its mandate to protect and serve OFWs. To carry out their purpose, POLO’s operations involve engaging and collaborating with relevant Philippine government agencies, the host government, Filipino communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interests of all the Filipinos working abroad. The agency abides by the principles and provisions of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, too, and its implementing rules and guidelines is aligned with those of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the OWWA Omnibus Rules, and other issuances.
To date, there are at least 34 POLO in operation worldwide. At present, 11 of these offices are strategically located in Asia. There are also 13 POLO in the Middle East, 7 in Europe, and 3 in the Americas.
Mission, Vision, and Core Functions and Responsibilities of POLO
Mission
As an agency, POLO’s mission has always been clear: To serve and protect the OFWs’ rights and welfare through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders—including the Filipino communities and host countries.
Vision
Since it launched, POLO has always helped OFWs exercise their labor rights anywhere in the world. With POLO’s support, the OFWs are assured of safe, healthy, and productive DOLE service.
Core Functions and Responsibilities
As an agency, POLO’s responsibilities to the Filipino people has always been as follows:
To serve as DOLE’s operating arm, enforcing lawfully enacted policies and programs according to international labor relations and in international settings
To assist OFWs with their contracts and other employment-related papers, to ensure that they are lawful and appropriate for their regions of assignment
To help implement the government’s foreign exchange remittance program for OFWs and their families benefits
To help establish diplomatic and friendly relationship with the host country.
To protect and promote the rights, welfare, and interests of OFWs
To offer assistance to OFWs regarding any employer-employee relationship problems
To check and validate employment contracts and other employment-related documentation
To monitor and report situations and policy development in the host country that may affect the Philippine labor policies, in general and the Filipino migrant workers in particular
To stay updated with any key labor-related developments, including political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions and policy innovations in the host country that may be pertinent to Philippine labor needs
To promote and defend the overall well-being of Filipino employees working abroad
To promote understanding and cooperation between the host government and the Philippines, as well as between Filipino workers and management in the country of assignment
To act as a representative of the POEA and as marketing agents for DOLE abroad
To ensure that OFWs get safe and equitable access to fair employment opportunities
To facilitate the recruitment and employment of qualified Filipinos in both the government and private sectors
To perform any additional duties as assigned by the SECRETARY or as required by law
Benefits of POLO to OFWs
Like the OverseasWorkersWelfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is yet another government office that is meant to help and support OFWs abroad. It’s mainly responsible for implementing DOLE’s programs, regulating OFW employment, and ensuring the OFWs’ welfare abroad.
Like other government agencies, POLO offers OFWs numerous benefits including:
In carrying out its mandate and protecting the rights and welfare of the OFWs, POLO offers the following programs and services:
Notable POLO Programs
Some of the most notable programs offered by POLO include:
Return to Work Program (RTWP)
The Return to Work Program (RTWP) is a program meant for OFWs who have been forced to return home. Under the program, displaced OFWs due to death of an immediate family member, medical reasons, physical abuse, and psychological stress get support in reintegrating back to the society, provided that they can get a POLO certification that they were indeed repatriated.
Financially Distressed OFWs Repatriation Program (FDORP)
Returning migrant Filipino workers who find it difficult to send money back home despite being employed abroad are entitled to receive assistance from POLO under the Financially Distressed OFWs Repatriation Program (FDORP). The program which started in 2014 is meant to help OFWs based in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Qatar overcome their financial troubles without compromising with the support intended for their families.
Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS)
The Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) is yet another POLO Program intended to support the wellbeing of OFWs. The program ensures that newly arrived OFWs are aware of everything they need to know about their host country, including its geography, population, history, culture, and traditions, as well as their rights and obligations. The program will also be useful in providing necessary information in the event that the OFW requires legal assistance.
Welfare Office for Filipinos Overseas (WORO) Assistance
One of the existing POLO Programs is the Welfare Office for Filipinos Overseas (WORO) Assistance, an initiative intended to help distressed OFWs and their families and communities by offering access to education, health care, housing, and sustainable livelihoods.
The WORO Assistance offers help and support to OFWs in various ways, including financial assistance, repatriation arrangements, legal assistance related to employer-employee labor contracts and relations (WORO Legal Assistance), and emergency medical evacuation and medical assistance (WORO Medical Assistance).
Direct Hiring Program (DHP)
DOLE, via POLO, has created the Direct Hiring Program (DHP), a government-to-government initiative to increase employment prospects and improve the working circumstances for Filipinos in the Middle East to help Filipinos secure a consistent income.
The program also gives OFWs approximately US$1,000 (or another currency equivalent depending on area), as well as a housing allowance, paid vacation days, paid sick leave, and end-of-service benefits. Launched in 2008, DHP started with a labor cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), until it was broadened with agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Special Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons/ Assistance-To-Nationals Program
This POLO program offers help to Filipino victims of human trafficking who may have been subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, or domestic servitude. Under the program, they get the support they need to come home to the Philippines and reintegrate properly so they may continue becoming productive members of the society. This program also offers the same support to OFWs who may have been forced to return home from other countries due to financial problems or some other difficulties.
Repatriation Assistance
OFWs also offer monetary assistance in the form of a repatriation grant, airline ticket, emergency assistance, and several other services to OFWs who are suffering abroad through no fault of their own.
Custodial Program
POLO’s Custodial Program is a specialized initiative meant to offer employment opportunities to Filipino nationals who are unable to find work abroad due to physical disability, advanced age, and other reasons. It also offers OFW families to continue earning a living even while their relatives are away.
Community Outreach
The POLO Community Outreach Program is a program meant to enhance collaborative relations between the government of the Philippines, overseas workers (OFWs), governments of host countries, and other stakeholders. It also hopes to raise knowledge about policies and address issues related to the wellbeing of OFWs abroad.
Case Management
POLO’s Case Management Program offer legal, financial, and social support to distressed OFWs and their families as well as to casualties to return home when faced with challenging circumstances.
Common Services Filipinos Avail in POLO office
Some of the most common services that OFWs can receive at the POLO office include the following:
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) Issuance
The POLO Office is also in charge of the issuance of valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Balik Manggagawa Certificate (BMC)—a document issued to Filipinos who are seeking employment opportunities abroad or those workers who are going home for a vacation to the Philippines.
Employment/ Contract Verification
The Employment/ Contract Verification is yet another program meant to help OFWs determine whether a job offer is genuine or not by verification of employment papers, work visas, or any other essential documentation.
Mediation between Employee and Employer
POLO offices also offer conflict resolution services for employees and employers to resolve their issues amicably.
Policy Advocacy and Labor Cooperation
POLO also has policy advocacy and labor cooperation initiatives and services to help promote the well-being of OFWs.
The PEOS Online Accreditation Program, an online training program, is also yet another service offered by POLO Offices. The services start with passing the PEOS Online Accreditation Test. It is a prerequisite to apply for the pre-employment orientation course and is meant to equip working Filipino professionals with the required skills and information they need to do their jobs in other countries.
OWWA Membership
Application and renewal of OWWA membership is yet another thing that can be done at the POLO Office. OWWA Membership is a social service and a form of insurance for its member-beneficiaries so they can enjoy the welfare programs and protection, and advancement of the Philippine government.
Video: Visiting POLO Office in Hong Kong for Contract Renewal
If you aren’t aware of the POLO services yet, join Youtube vlogger Jamaica Ermitanio as she visits the POLO Office at the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong for her Contract Renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions and answers related to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO):
1. What is POLO?
POLO is DOLE’s operational arm that extends its policies and services to the OFWs in the rest of the world. It reports directly to the Secretary of Labor’s office.
2. What are the benefits of POLO?
As DOLE’s implementing arm, POLO offers various programs and services including social and financial benefits, education scholarship and training benefits, welfare programs, reintegration programs, and repatriation assistance benefits.
3. What is the purpose of POLO?
Like DOLE and other government agencies in the Philippines, POLO was created to support the Filipino people, only this time, it’s especially designed to support, protect, and promote the labor rights of OFWs.
4. Is there a difference between POLO and OWWA?
Yes. OWWA is a membership organization meant to delivering social benefits and programs primarily to its member OFWs, whereas POLO is primarily concerned with the implementation service delivery related to labor policies as the “overseas operating arm” of DOLE outside the Philippines.
5. How does the POLO help and protect OFWs?
In most cases, the POLO watches out for OFWs and ensures that they receive the benefits offered by DOLE’s on-site programs and services. It is also the prime agency meant to promote and safeguard OFWs’ rights and well-being through workers’ training, case management, custodial services, repatriation assistance, and other welfare assistance.
6. Is it possible to apply for multiple POLO programs and services?
Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple POLO programs and services so long as the program or services does not limit the availment to a single service or program.
7. Is POLO associated with the Philippine Embassy?
POLO is DOLE’s link to the rest of the world, and it is an attached agency reporting directly to the Labor Secretary.
8. What is the best way to acquire OEC from POLO?
Securing the OEC requires going to the POLO Office with the appointment slip at the host country’s Philippine Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date and time.
9. How long does the OEC take to process?
After submitting the Phase 1 application, it will take approximately one to two weeks for the OEC to be processed. That said, it is advised that OFWs work on completing the Phase 2 documentation while waiting for the process to complete.
Summary
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) serves as the overseas operating arm of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE). As such, it is the office in charge of enforcing and implementing the policies and promoting the programs and initiatives of the agency, so it may reach the OFWs in the different parts of the world.
As an agency, POLO offers the OFWs social benefits, education scholarship and training benefits, welfare programs, reintegration programs, and repatriation assistance benefits. It also links the Philippine government to the world, connecting OFWs with other government agencies like the Bureau of Immigration (BI), diplomatic missions, local government units (LGUs), and Migrant Workers And Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC).
Contact Information
For questions or concerns meant for POLO, it is best to search for the specific POLO Office in the host country where you work.
To learn more about its programs and services, you may also contact DOLE via the following contact information:
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Office Address: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines
The Department of Labor and Employment, otherwise known as DOLE, is the primary governing body in-charge of the administration, creation, and enforcement of Philippine labor laws as well as the protection and promotion of the rights, welfare, and safety of Filipino and foreign employees in the country. Launched in 1908, the agency has grown from a humble bureau agency to the department that it is now. Even so, their mandate to protect the workers in their jurisdiction by offering training and development, employment facilitation, labor dispute settlement, social protection, and policy-making services continue to this day.
As an agency with over 100 years of experience and achievements to back it up, DOLE has established not only a wide range of programs and services designed for Filipino workers, but also a reputation as an advocate of fair employment. To learn more about DOLE, its actual role in the employment market and in your life, as well as the available programs and services it offers, you may check out this guide.
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What is DOLE?
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is the government agency in-charge of a wide range of programs and services related to the creation, implementation, preservation, protection, and promotion of the Philippine labor laws as well as the rights and well-being of Filipino and foreign workers in the Philippines.
It started out as a small bureau agency, the Bureau of Labor (BOL), in 1908, before it evolved into the Department of Labor (DOL), thanks to the provisions of the Republic Act 4121. In 1980, it became the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), before a reorganization led to its evolution into the current Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
As the prime agency responsible for everything related to jobs and employment in the country, DOLE is also in-charge of promoting gainful employment, protecting the workers’ rights, improving working conditions, developing socio-political and economic policies, creating laws, and implementing programs and policy-creation and coordination initiatives in the field of labor and employment.
In simpler terms, DOLE is the go-to agency in the Philippines when it comes to labor and employment. So, if you ever encounter problems, hiccups, or any concerns related to your job in the Philippines, regardless if it’s a local or an international company, DOLE is the place to go. The same applies for complaints, advice, and permits related to Philippine-based employment.
Who is DOLE for?
DOLE was established primarily for the Filipino workers’ protection and support, though there are other groups who may benefit from the agency’s existence. Such groups include:
Those who want to know more about the working conditions in the Philippines
Those who have problems with their employers
International workers enjoying temporary work permits here in the Philippines.
Trade Unions
Local Workers
Worker Organizations, Employers, and Employee Groups (e.g., TUCP, ECOP, Chamber of Commerce, etc )
Non-government organizations (NGOs)
Government agencies
The academe
Partner international organizations (e.g., ILO, IOM, IMO, UNDP, UNICEF, etc.)
The international community, especially host countries where there are OFWs
Mission, Vision, Objectives, Functions, and Responsibilities of DOLE
Like every other agency, DOLE is guided with a mission and vision statement and their mandate is explicitly stated as their functions and responsibilities to the Filipino workers.
Mission
As an agency, DOLE’s existence is purported by the need to create sustainable, safe, and gainful employment opportunities while maintaining industrial peace for Filipino and foreign employees in the Philippines and abroad.
Vision
The agency intends to be the go-to place when Filipino workers and even OFWs feel the need for help. The intention is to empower the workers through safer and better employment opportunities. The agency’s vision statement also mentioned developing human resources, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of workers, and maintaining industrial harmony in the country.
Functions and Responsibilities
Some of the key functions and responsibilities of the DOLE include:
Promoting social and economic welfare of Filipino workers
Regulating labor and employment conditions including but not limited to economic, political, and labor market situations and policy developments
Protecting workers’ rights and assist them in the event of employer-employee relationship issues
Provision of employment services both to local and migrant workers to ensure that their well-being is protected
Wage and salary administration
Monitoring and regulation of employment contracts and other job-related documentations and align it according to the government’s general policy objectives
Development of occupational safety and health standards and ensure that they are observed accordingly
Development and enforcement of labor laws and regulations, and community development and reintegration program
Research and development on general labor and employment policies
DOLE also set up policies related to:
Basic Pay
13th Month Pay and Bonuses
Overtime pay
Premium pay
Night Shift Differential (NSD)
Separation pay
Retirement pay
Leave Benefits
Periods with regular meal and break
Leave as a reward for service
Parental leaves
Maternity leave
Paternity leave
Solo parent leave
Special leaves for Women
Contributions
Social Security System(SSS)
Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF / PagIBIG)
Philippine Health Insurance Company (PhilHealth)
Objectives
DOLE continues to commit to its mission and vision statements to be able to carry out the following objectives:
To improve the employability of the workers, develop human resource and match skills supply with job vacancies
To improve the competitiveness of MSMEs and promote enterprise productivity to support job creation
To enforce labor standards, labor education, and tripartism for fair and just employment policies and conflict resolution
To improve social protection and employment opportunities especially for vulnerable workers
To streamline DOLE processes for more efficient and responsive services
DOLE Programs and Services
Here are some of the programs and services people can expect from any DOLE office:
DOLE Programs
Employment Facilitation Program
The Employment Facilitation Program is a nationwide program meant to help jobseekers get access to the latest trends and openings in the labor market. The program also helps with job placement and training which helps both employers and potential employees connect.
Youth Employability
DOLE’s Youth Employability Program (DYEP) is an initiative designed to help unemployed out-of-school children and graduates gain access to training programs, emergency employment, and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES)
JobStart Philippines Program
Job Search Assistance
DOLE also offers resources like resume creators, job search workshops, and database of job vacancies to help Filipinos in their job hunt.
Public Employment Service Office (PESO)
Labor Market Information (LMI)
Employment Preservation and Regulation Program (EPRP)
Under the Employment Preservation and Regulation Program (EPRP), DOLE, through their regional and field offices, protects workers by creating laws, policies, and industry standards and implements them to regulate and amicably resolve disputes between employers and employees.
Labor Laws Compliance
DOLE enforces labor laws and periodically conducts inspections to ensure that all businesses treat their employees fairly. The laws also ensure that employees stay safe and unexploited and that they stay happy getting the compensation they deserve.
Labor Inspection Program
Tripartism and Social Dialogue
DOLE also conducts discussions and negotiations to engage with all the stakeholders via tripartism and social discourse in the formulation of public policies and in settling public disagreements and conflicts.
Workers Organizations Development and Empowerment
DOLE also makes all the necessary resources and support available to all workers groups in the country so they may effectively advocate for the workers’ rights, interests, growth, and empowerment.
Workers Organization and Development Program (WODP)
Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES)
Case Management
DOLE also provides case management services so employees who sustained work-related injuries are protected. The program also offers financial and other support to ensure that the injured workers can recover and return to work without problems.
Single Entry Approach (SEnA)
Speedy and Efficient Delivery of Labor Justice (Project SpeED)
Workers Protection and Welfare Program
This is a comprehensive programme offered by DOLE to provide financial support and other benefits including death payments not just to workers, but also to their families in the event that a worker becomes ill or injured on the job or in cases of death due to their employment.
Livelihood and Emergency Employment
The Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, is a DOLE-initiated program meant to assist unemployed, underemployed, or displaced individuals find temporary employment so they can bounce back and start earning a living again.
Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program
Kabuhayan Program
Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD)
Welfare Services
The DOLE welfare services is a program that offers assistance related to finances, job placements, and even counselling. It was designed to help unemployed, underemployed, and marginalized workers in the Philippines become productive members of the society.
On-site Welfare Services for OFWs
Reintegration Services for Overseas Filipino Workers
DOLE also offers programs to help returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) re-adjust to life back home via skill-building programs that will help them find or build suitable livelihood and stable finances upon their return to the country.
Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal, Livelihood)
Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP)
Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH)
Financial Awareness Seminar – Small Business Management Training (FAS-SBMT)
Documentation of OFWs
Verification of Overseas Employment Documents
DOLE takes the responsibility of checking the legitimacy of the employment documents of Filipinos who are planning to find jobs abroad outside of the country. This includes validation and verification of such documents necessary in the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)—an obligatory document all Filipino workers need before they can work in a foreign country.
Emergency Repatriation Program
The Emergency Repatriation Program (ERP) was established by DOLE as part of the initiative to assist workers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This program covers OFWs who have been laid off or whose employment has been negatively affected by the pandemic. Under the ERP, displaced and repatriated OFWs are offered financial help to cover the cost of their travel back home to the country.
DOLE e-Services
COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP)
DOLE-AKAP Application
DOLE-AKAP Status Inquiry
Project EASE Registration and Status Inquiry
Tabang-OFW Status Inquiry
OASIS (OFW Assistance Information System)
DOLE E-services
Safety Seal Certification
Establishment Reporting System (ERS)
Online Union Registration System (OURS)
Single Entry Approach (SEnA)
PhilJobNet Job Portal
Attached Agencies E-services
Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC)
Case Docket Checker System
National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB)
Request for Certificate of No Pending Case
Case Docket Monitoring System
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Application for Examination
Initial Registration
Renewal of Identification Card
Certifications of Board Rating and Passing
Verification of Rating
Verification of Licenses
Certificate of Passing and Board Rating
Continuing Professional Development Accreditation System (CPDAS)
Queue Management System for Key Frontline Services
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP)
Online Verification of Certificate
NMP E-Research Portal
Online Registration
Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)
Training Programs
Technical Services
National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC)
E-Apply for Productivity Toolbox
Learning Session
NWPC e-Learning Portal
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
SENA – e-Request for Assistance
Video: DOLE Philippine Labor Standards Guide
Some of the things that DOLE watches out for has everything to do with workers and labor standards. In this explainer video posted by DOLE Labor and Employment Education Services, you can learn more about the Philippine Labor Standards, particularly those that new hires need to know.
On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the programs and services offered by DOLE, you might find these videos helpful:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the common questions that people usually ask about DOLE:
1. What kind of support does the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offer?
As the prime agency for everything related to labor and employment, DOLE can offer support if you ever need any, so long as it falls within the following areas:
Information about the labor market (local or otherwise), including, but not limited to employment trends, labor force statistics, and skill sets and job vacancies pairing.
Services that improve job matching, including career counseling, resume reviews, and job search workshops.
Training opportunities to help upgrade workers’ skills or offer professional certificates.
Assistance in finding jobs through DOLE partnerships and linkage with local government units (LGUs), private organizations, educational institutions, and other relevant government agencies.
2. Does the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offer training to OFWs?
Yes. As part of its program offerings, DOLE, via the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) (formerly Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)), regulates overseas employment by requiring attendance to pre-departure education programs and orientation seminars related to health and safety, security, culture, and labor laws in destination countries. It also mandates licensed recruitment agencies to complete training programs to ensure that they deliver quality service to OFWs.
3. Are DOLE and OWWA the same?
No. DOLE is an executive agency tasked to promote social and economic welfare of workers, regulate labor and employment conditions, and protect workers’ rights. On the other hand, OWWA is but an attached DOLE agency whose main function is to watch out for the interest and well-being of OFWs and their families.
4. Does DOLE help OFW?
Yes. Through OWWA and POLO, DOLE offers various programs and services for OFWs. Some of them include workers’ training, case management, custodial services, repatriation and reintegration support, and other welfare and livelihood assistance, among others.
5. Is it possible for me to apply for multiple DOLE programs and services?
Yes. There’s no limit to the number of DOLE programs and services that you can apply for and avail of. In fact, the agency encourages everyone to take advantage of the wide range of DOLE programs and services, so long as you meet their requirements.
6. What does it mean to have a weekly rest day?
It simply means that after six days of work within the week, the employer, particularly those working with OFWs, should organize a 24-hour day off or rest day after consulting with the employees.
7. What is a wage and what are wage-related benefits?
Wage is the sum of money paid to an employee in exchange for completing a task, completing a piece of work, or providing a service to an employer for a specific period. Note that it is different from salary in the sense that the pay is decided depending on the work or time spent. Wage-related benefits, on the other hand, refers to additional payments including overtime pay, night differential, rest day, holiday, and 13th month pay. It also covers the fair and reasonable value of board, lodging, and other services provided by the employer on a regular basis.
8. How does payment of wages work?
By law, wages are supposed to be paid in cash, with legal tender, at or near the employee’s workplace. However, wage payment may also be made through a bank, that is, if the majority of the workers in establishments with at least 25 employees or more make a request and the bank is within one (1) kilometer from the workplace. Wages are usually paid directly to the employees at least once every two (2) weeks or twice a month at intervals of not more than 16 days.
9. What kind of job opportunities are available at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)?
As one of the fastest growing government agencies, DOLE offers a wide range of employment opportunities for working professionals, from top government officials to entry-level employees. Interested applicants only need to be at least 18 years old and with at least a high school diploma and the ability to communicate in English and Filipino to join the department from any of the available entry-level positions. For those with Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, they have more options in terms of career with DOLE, if they are interested in joining the department. The department also allows employees to develop further, by offering options for them to develop their skills while they work.
For more detailed information on available job positions with DOLE, interested applicants may visit the DOLE website via this link: https://www.dole.gov.ph/careers-dole/.
10. Who can partner with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)?
Any organization, from private organizations to local government units and other agencies, may forge a partnership with the department so long as they both have the same goal of improving the welfare of Filipino workers. These partnerships may also vary, and may take the form of joint projects, memoranda of understanding (MOU), memorandum circulars, or letters of agreement.
Summary
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is the government’s primary agency-in-charge with everything that has something to do with labor and employment. Its mandate to make policies, coordinate, manage, and promote safe and fair employment opportunities, and develop the domestic and international manpower resources of the country has been in place for over 100 years.
As an agency, DOLE is also in charge of protecting the rights and welfare of the Filipino workers in the Philippines and abroad. Having said that, they also created industry standards and conducted inspections to maintain humane, harmonious, and stable conditions for all concerned parties in terms of labor and employment.
In a nutshell, DOLE is the go-to agency for you if you are a Filipino or a foreign employee in the Philippines and you have concerns about your job. The same rings true if you need advice or assistance regarding the Philippine labor laws or if you are an OFW seeking support related to contracts, visas, sickness, injuries, disability, rehabilitation, and death.
Contact Information
If you have any question or concerns regarding DOLE and its programs and services, you may contact them directly via the following contact information:
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Office Address: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines
