Introduction Finding an employer abroad who is willing to hire you directly is a massive victory. It means higher pay, no placement fees, and a direct relationship with your boss. But in the eyes of the Philippine government, you are now a “regulatory headache.”

The “Ban on Direct Hiring” (Article 18 of the Labor Code) is still in effect in 2025. This law presumes that without a recruitment agency to watch over you, you are vulnerable to abuse. To leave the country legally, you must prove to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) that you are an exception to this rule.

This isn’t just about getting an OEC or the new OFW Pass; it’s about navigating a two-phase legal gauntlet. This guide breaks down the exact process for 2025, including the hidden costs and the new digital requirements that most blogs won’t tell you.

Phase 0: The Battle Abroad (MWO Verification)

Before you can do anything in the Philippines, your employer must do the heavy lifting. The DMW in Manila will not touch your papers unless they have been verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)—formerly known as POLO—nearest to your job site.

The “Red Ribbon” is Dead; Long Live the Verification Seal. Your employer cannot simply email you a contract. They must submit the following to the MWO:

1. Original Employment Contract: It must include specific provisions like “Repatriation of Remains” and “Medical Insurance.” Pro Tip: If their standard contract doesn’t have this, they must sign a contract addendum.
2. Business License: Proof they are a real company (e.g., ACRA in Singapore, Trade License in Dubai).
3. The “Exemption Letter”: A formal letter addressed to the Labor Attaché explaining why they are hiring you directly and not through an agency.
4. Employer’s ID: A copy of the passport of the person signing the contract.

2025 Update:

• Dubai/UAE: The MWO in Dubai has started a pilot Online Submission System, but physical verification may still be required for the final stamp.
• Verification Fee: Expect your employer to pay around USD 10.00 (for individual verification) to USD 40.00 (for agency/company verification). Note: Fees vary slightly by currency (e.g., JPY, SGD, GBP).

Phase 1: Domestic Evaluation (The “Waiting Game”)

Once you receive the Original Verified Contract from your employer via courier (DHL/FedEx), you enter Phase 1 in the Philippines.

Step 1: The DMW Online Portal Log in to the DMW Online Services Portal (formerly POPS-Direct). You must upload clear scans of:

• Your Passport (valid for at least 1 year).
• The MWO-Verified Contract.
• Valid Work Visa.
• Notarized Statement: A sworn affidavit detailing how you found the job (e.g., “I applied via LinkedIn”). This proves you didn’t use an illegal recruiter.

Step 2: The Evaluation DMW evaluators will review your documents.

• Common Rejection Trigger: If your salary in the contract is lower than the DMW standards for that country, you will be rejected.
• The “5-Hire Rule”: If your employer has already hired 5 Filipinos directly, they are banned from hiring a 6th without an agency. The system checks this automatically.

Phase 2: Compliance & Issuance

If your dashboard says “Phase 1 Approved,” do not celebrate yet. You must now pay for your protection.

1. The Medical Exam You cannot go to just any clinic. You must go to a DMW-Accredited Medical Clinic. The results are electronically transmitted to the DMW.

• Cost: Approx. ₱2,500 – ₱5,000 depending on the country package.

2. The “Compulsory” Insurance Under the amended Migrant Workers Act, direct hires must have insurance that covers accidental death, permanent disability, and repatriation.

• Providers: Paramount Life & General Insurance, Cocogen, etc.
• Cost: This depends on contract length. For a 1-year contract, expect to pay around USD 35.00 (approx. ₱2,000). For a 2-year contract, it rises to around USD 70.00.
• Note: While the law says the employer should pay this, in practice, many direct hires pay it upfront to expedite the OEC.

3. PEOS and PDOS You must complete the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) online. For the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), many professionals can now take this via Zoom, but you must book a slot via the DMW portal.

The Financial Reality Check (2025 Fees)

Direct hiring is not free. Prepare your wallet for these government-mandated fees:

Item	Estimated Cost (PHP)	Notes
POEA Processing Fee	~₱5,600 (USD 100)	Paid to DMW Cashier
OWWA Membership	~₱1,400 (USD 25)	Valid for 2 years
PhilHealth (2025 Rate)	5% of Salary	New High Rate. Capped at ₱5,000/month.
Pag-IBIG	₱100+	Minimum, adjustable.
Medical Exam	₱3,500	Average cost.
Compulsory Insurance	~₱4,000	For a 2-year contract.