The direct hiring of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is governed by Article 18 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10022, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Administrative Order No. 196, Series of 2018, and the Revised Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Workers of 2016. These laws and regulations prohibit the direct hiring of an Overseas Filipino worker (OFW). Any employer intending to hire an OFW is, therefore, required to recruit through POEA-accredited/licensed employment/recruitment agencies.

POEA Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2018 enumerates certain categories of employers who are exempted from the ban on direct hiring; and provides guidelines on the registration of direct hires with POEA. (Copy of the memorandum circular may be downloaded from here).

 Only the following employers are exempted from the ban on direct hiring:

1.         Members of the diplomatic corps;

2.         International organizations;

3.         Heads of state and government officials with the rank of at least deputy minister; or

4.         Other employers as may be allowed by the DMW, such as:

a. Those provided in 1, 2 and 3 above who bear a lesser rank, if endorsed by Migrant Workers Office (MWO);

b. Those permanent residents of the host country who are hiring relatives/family members.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Standard Employment Contract (please click here to download the form)

2. Undertaking of Employer (please click here to download the form)

3. Photocopy of Worker’s Passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of intended departure

4. Photocopy of Workers’ Work Permit/ In-Principle Approval

5. Photocopy of Employer’s Passport or Identification Card

6. CASH PAYMENT : $17

Once the complete documentary requirements are obtained, the employer or his/ her authorized representative may submit the complete requirements to the Labor Office of the Philippine Embassy.

Only complete submissions will be received, evaluated and processed. The verified documents will be accompanied by an endorsement letter to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 

NOTE: For direct hires, MWO-SG will only verify the contract and the worker should submit the original copies of the verified documents to the Direct Hire Unit of the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines for processing of OEC.