In the past, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) had to interact with different government agencies regarding their employment abroad. Among these agencies were the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and more. These days, however, the functions of these agencies have been combined into a single entity: the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
At present, the DMW operates 39 Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) worldwide, with the MWO serving as the agency’s representative office outside the Philippines. For Filipinos who are living and working in Qatar, there’s an MWO based in the capital, Doha.
What is the Migrant Workers Office?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) serves as the overseas operating arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) — which, in turn — was established in 2022 through Republic Act No. 11641. As part of the DMW, the MWO is tasked to protect and promote the rights, welfare, and interests of Filipinos who are working abroad.
Functions and Responsibilities
Generally speaking, the functions and responsibilities of MWO Qatar are the following:
- Ensuring the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interests of OFWs, assisting them with all problems related to employer-employee relationships;
- Promoting and implementing the overseas employment program of the DMW — a program that goes in line with the overall policy thrust of the Philippine government;
- Verifying employment contracts and other employment-related documents;
- Monitoring and reporting to the DMW Home Office situations and policy developments in Qatar that may affect Filipino migrant workers and Philippine labor policies;
- Supervising and coordinating the operations of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC);
- Pursuing a needs-based community development and relations program, and engaging in socio-cultural activities organized by the Philippine government, government of Qatar, Filipino communities, and other entities; and
- Performing other functions that may be assigned by the Secretary of Migrant Workers.
Programs and Services
MWO Qatar provides essential services to OFWs and their principals (employers/agencies). These include accreditation of employers, verification of employment contracts, provision of assistance to nationals, SSS services, Pag-IBIG services, and so on.
Accreditation of Employers
This is done to ensure that the employers and agencies involved in the hiring of OFWs are legit. The MWO checks their documents and make sure that their businesses/companies are recognized by authorities in Qatar and the Philippines.
Employment Contract Verification
Of course, the MWO also needs to check and verify the employment contracts of OFWs, to help ensure that these are consistent with the labor laws of Qatar and the Philippines, as well. Employment contract verification is also a requirement in getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), among others.
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
The OEC basically serves as an OFW’s “travel exit clearance,” whether he/she is newly-hired or a “balik manggagawa” (returning OFW). Before leaving the Philippines, the OFW presents the OEC to immigration officers at the airport. The OEC also serves as proof that they are legitimate OFWs, and that they do not need to pay terminal fees and travel tax.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
An attached agency of the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) focuses on the well-being of OFWs and their families… from the time they leave the country, while they are working abroad, and when they go back to the Philippines. In addition to pre-departure trainings, livelihood assistance, and reintegration assistance — other benefits provided by this agency are disability, dismemberment, death, and burial benefits.
SSS Services
As the name says, the Social Security System (SSS) is a social insurance program of the Philippine government. Members, including OFWs, are entitled to getting sickness benefit, maternity benefit, disability benefit, unemployment benefit, salary loan, calamity loan, retirement (pension) benefit, and more.
Pag-IBIG Fund Services
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) a.k.a. “Pag-IBIG Fund” is a government-run agency that provides affordable housing loans and high-earning savings programs. It falls under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and offers programs such as the Pag-IBIG 1 Savings Program, Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) Savings Program, Housing Loan, Calamity Loan, Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL), and other programs.
Assistance to Nationals (ATN)
According to the official website of MWO Qatar, the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) was created to respond to the needs of distressed Filipino individuals or groups abroad. Among the services it provides are the following:
- Assistance in human trafficking cases;
- Monitoring of cases in court;
- Assistance in facilitating repatriation to the Philippines;
- Assistance in locating missing Filipino nationals;
- Notification and assistance to detained or arrested Filipino nationals, including jail visitation;
- Coordinating with with non-government organizations (NGOs); and government agencies with regard to laws and policies that affect labor and human rights.
Video: Message from DMW Secretary
Last June 6, 2024, DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac delivered a message to commemorate Migrant Workers Day. Watch this video for the highlights of his message, as shared by MWO Qatar Facebook page:
Contact Information: MWO Qatar
Last May 2024, the MWO in Qatar has relocated from its old location; since then, it has been operating from the new address provided below. The office is open from Sundays to Thursdays, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
When going to the MWO, all clients and visitors are advised to dress appropriately. The following attire are not allowed: sando, strapless, or thin-strap tops; gauzy/transparent tops and pants; low-necked tops; shorts; mini-skirts; slippers or informal footwear.
Address: Building No. 17, Street No. 908, Zone No. 66, Ad Dawhah Municipality, Doha, State of Qatar
Telephone: +97433182459
Email: mwo_qatar@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://polodoha.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWOqatar/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Similar to other countries in the region, there are many Filipinos working in the State of Qatar. To address their needs and provide Philippine government services, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) — which is part of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) — was created, with a branch operating in Doha.
Of course, one of the most important goals of OFWs abroad is to earn money, to save, and to invest wisely. Check out this article to learn more about how OFWs in Qatar can save money while working abroad.