Despite facing technical hiccups during its initial hours, the new online contract verification platform for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates saw early signs of success as 81 OFWs managed to submit their documents within just four hours after going live.
The system, launched by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai in collaboration with credential verification firm DataFlow Group, marks a major step in the Philippines’ digital shift in government services for migrant workers. This platform allows OFWs to verify their employment contracts and secure their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) entirely online—an optional alternative to traditional walk-in verification.
While the launch showed promising results, users took to social media to express frustrations about recurring OTP (One-Time Password) errors and system access issues. Several OFWs reported receiving incorrect OTP prompts even when the correct code was entered, while others described delays and inaccessible verification pages. One netizen wrote, “10 times otp wala nagana ni isa,” reflecting widespread sentiments of disappointment.
Another user shared, “Was able to process but the identity verification after processing is inaccessible po,” pointing to issues that persisted even after initial steps were completed.
Despite these challenges, the MWO-DataFlow team acknowledged the presence of minor bugs during the rollout and assured users that technical fixes are underway. Officials noted that the team is “actively working” to ensure smoother operations as more OFWs transition to the online system.
The platform aims to offer a faster, more secure, and convenient option for OFWs, particularly those in remote areas or with limited time for in-person appointments.
