UAE Delays Controversial Contract Verification Rules for Filipino Expats Amid Resistance
Do you live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a Filipino expat? If so, you’ll be relieved to know that the new contract verification rules, which were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st, have been delayed until further notice. Verification Rules for Filipino Expats.
The new requirements were met with opposition from the Filipino public, according to a top official from the Philippines’ Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai. The MWO mission in Dubai and the Northern Emirates is led by Labor Attaché John Rio A. Bautista, who confirmed that the shift will not be implemented as planned.
But why were the new rules being introduced in the first place? According to Bautista, the Philippine government noticed an increased number of contracts with discrepancies and decided to bring in new requirements for contract verification as a result. He gave the example of a Filipina domestic worker whose contract indicated she was a store manager, when in fact she had been working as a domestic worker for a few years.
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Current vs Proposed Requirements
Currently, the requirements for contract verification for Filipinos living and working in the UAE are:
- A valid employment contract
- Passport
- Visa or Emirates ID
- Any proof of current employment
The new rules, if they had been implemented, would have only required a:
- valid employment contract
- passport
- visa
However, if there were any discrepancies in the documents or if additional information was needed, the MWO would have the authority to request additional documents, such as the company’s trade license, wage protection system record, and academic credentials.
Four channels for Filipinos in the country to request for contract verification are:
- Appointment
- Online submission
- Walk-in
- Authorized representatives
Filipinos can schedule an appointment and appear in person for verification, or they can apply online. Every week, 500 slots are available for online verification. In an emergency, anyone can walk into the MWO office and get quick verification; simply present proof of a plane ticket for the next day, and the documentation will be arranged quickly.
For Filipinos who are currently in the Philippines but have received a job offer in the UAE, the contract can be verified through a friend or family member in the UAE. The authorized representative must go to the MWO/Polo office in person to receive the service. Verification Rules for Filipino Expats.
The MWO emphasizes that the new rules are not intended to cause inconvenience, but rather to ensure that contracts are accurate and legal. While the new rules may have caused some concern among Filipino expats, it is important to note that they are not currently in effect and that the MWO is taking the time to listen to feedback and make changes. Source: Gulf News