Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE will soon have access to a new system for verifying employment contracts, with dedicated Contract Verification Centres set to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by the end of January 2026.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between VFS Global and DBP Data Centre Inc. (DCI), a government-owned corporation in the Philippines. The arrangement is designed to make contract verification more accessible for Filipino workers in the UAE by combining online services with in-person document submission.
Under the new setup, OFWs can use a dedicated website to secure appointments and pay required fees before visiting the nearest VFS Global centre for document submission. Verified contracts will be processed by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), after which applicants will be notified by email when their documents are ready for collection. Optional services such as courier delivery and SMS status updates will also be available for an additional fee.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, said the collaboration aims to improve both security and convenience for Filipino workers. “This partnership with DBP Data Centre Inc. reflects our continued commitment to supporting overseas Filipino workers through secure, transparent and efficient service delivery. By enabling in-person initial document verification at our centres, we help ensure greater accuracy, authenticity and compliance. We are also providing applicants with a seamless, technology-enabled experience from appointment booking to document collection.”
Contract verification is a mandatory step for OFWs, ensuring employment agreements meet government standards and worker protection requirements. It is also a prerequisite for securing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), which Filipino workers must obtain before departing the Philippines for overseas employment.
The centres will operate seven days a week and offer extended working hours, along with a 24/7 helpline. Additional features include real-time application tracking, secure online payment of MWO verification fees, and courier services. The service fee will be waived during the first 30 days of operations.
VFS Global has an existing track record with the Philippine government, having handled passport renewal services in 13 international locations since 2019 and Philippine visa processing for Chinese nationals in multiple cities in China since 2025. For contract verification, the company currently supports 16 client governments through digital platforms and its global network of application centres.
