Just hours after its highly anticipated launch, the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) new Online Employment Contract Verification Service has drawn a wave of complaints from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates, who are facing recurring problems with the system’s One-Time Password (OTP) functionality.
The online platform, introduced on July 7, was designed to offer OFWs a more convenient and secure way to verify their employment contracts and apply for Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs). However, many users say the system is failing at the first step—generating and accepting OTPs.
“10 times otp wala nagana ni isa,” said user Lizle Jane Zabate. Similarly, another frustrated user, Mhài Badayos, shared, “Ang tagal hinintay pero wala din pala!! KAHIT TAMA ANG OTP ‘incorrect’ PA DIN RAW!!” These sentiments were echoed by several other comments that pointed out the same issue: the system fails to recognize correct OTPs or does not send them at all.
Czermaine Tesoro Alay-ay addressed the Migrant Workers Office directly in her comment: “Incorrect OTP kahit tama naman ang nilagay based sa nareceive sa email… then yung online verification nyo is not working properly. Akala ko ba successful ang trial nyo?”
While the platform was meant to eliminate the need for physical visits and reduce administrative burdens, many OFWs are now calling for a return to the old system. “Balik nio nalang walk in!” urged one commenter. Norhan A Waleed added, “Mas mabilis pa ang walk in,” expressing disappointment over the online platform’s reliability.
Others criticized the premature rollout of the service, questioning the preparedness of the DMW. Jamie Miller wrote, “May pa proud to announce pa kayong nalalaman… puyat at stress ang inabot namin para lang dito sa online verification KUNO pero wala ding kwenta,” referencing the department’s promotional materials about the launch.
A few users were able to proceed past the OTP step, only to encounter more problems. Jonathan Cumpio commented, “Was able to process but the identity verification after processing is inaccessible po.”
The DMW has not yet issued a formal response to the growing number of complaints, but users are urging the agency to fix the system immediately or temporarily halt its implementation until the issues are resolved.
The online service was developed in collaboration with DataFlow Group, a global credential verification company. It was meant to provide 100% online accessibility for OFWs to verify their contracts and secure their OECs without visiting Migrant Workers Offices.
DMW officials have previously emphasized that the platform aims to ensure “confidence and convenience” for OFWs. However, the current feedback paints a different picture, with users describing the system as “useless,” “frustrating,” and a “waste of time.”
