DMW Accreditation Process: How to Legally Hire Filipino Talent

Step 1: Partner with a Licensed PRA

Not all recruitment agencies are authorized by the Philippine government to source, recruit, and deploy Filipino workers abroad. It is crucial to partner with the right one. You can verify active licenses via the official complete list of agencies at dmw.gov.ph.

The Migrant Workers Office (MWO)—frequently still referred to by its old name, POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office)—is the overseas operating arm of the DMW. Because each MWO has its own specific procedures and local costs, you must identify which office has jurisdiction over the country where the worker will be employed right at the start.

📥 Download Resource: Download Global MWO Directory & Jurisdictions (PDF)

Step 3: Prepare Your Core Documents

While specific requirements vary slightly by local MWO offices, certain standard documents are universally required.

A. For Direct Employers

• • Signed Recruitment Service Agreement
  • Job Order (outlining positions and headcounts)
  • Master Employment Contract (this is a DMW / MWO template; you can delete or put Not Applicable if needed)
  • Undertaking to Monitor
  • Contingency Plan
  • Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
  • Photocopy of the employer’s business registration
  • Photocopy of the signatory’s valid ID

B. For Foreign Recruitment Agencies (FRA) / Staffing Companies

• • Signed Recruitment Service Agreement
  • Job Order from the FRA to the PH recruitment agency
  • Master Employment Contract
  • Undertaking to Monitor
  • Contingency Plan
  • Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
  • Photocopy of the FRA’s business registration
  • Job Order from the FRA’s ultimate client to the FRA
  • Service Agreement between the FRA and their client
  • Photocopy of the client’s business registration
  • Photocopy of the client signatory’s valid ID

📥 Download Resources:

Job Order Template | Master Employment Contract Template |
Undertaking to Monitor Template | Special Power of Attorney Template

Step 4: Document Evaluation and Payment

Once compiled, submit all original documents featuring wet signatures directly to the respective MWO office for evaluation and approval. Once approved, the corresponding governmental fees must be settled.

Step 5: System Registration

Upon successful evaluation, your official Accreditation Certificate will be issued. Simultaneously, the verified positions listed in your Job Orders will be digitally uploaded and reflected in the DMW central system.

Step 6: Initiate the OEC Process

With your company successfully accredited and your job orders logged into the system, your partner Philippine agency can now officially begin processing your workers’ Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC).