In January 2023, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Malaysia was renamed Migrant Workers Office (MWO), following the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Since then, POLO-Kuala Lumpur became known as MWO-Kuala Lumpur, catering to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country.
Notably, the DMW “absorbed” the functions of POLO and other agencies like the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA), the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), and more. These days, the DMW operates 39 MWOs in different parts of the world, including MWO Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
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What is the Migrant Workers Office?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) serves as the operating arm of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Malaysia. Established in 2022 through Republic Act No. 11641, the DMW aims to protect and promote the rights, welfare, and interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Functions and Responsibilities
The MWO’s functions include employment contract verification; accreditation of recruitment agencies and employers, issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs); and renewal of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership.
Employment Contract Verification
The MWO verifies the employment contracts of OFWs to ensure that their rights, welfare, and benefits in the workplace are protected. This includes checking each contract and making sure that it is consistent with the labor laws, standards, and practices in Malaysia as well as in the Philippines. In addition, the MWO makes sure that all the documentary requirements for overseas jobs — as required by the DMW — are complied with.
Accreditation of Recruitment Agencies and Employers
The MWO conducts accreditation of Foreign Placement Agencies (FPAs) and employers to verify their existence and validity. This involves the conduct of on-site verification, to ensure that the employer/principal is legitimate and meets the standards prescribed by the DMW and labor authority of Malaysia.
Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) / OFW Pass
The OEC is a document that serves as an OFW’s “exit clearance” and applies to newly-hired OFWs and “Balik Manggagawa” (Returning Workers). The OEC proves they are legitimate OFWs, and are exempted from paying airport terminal fees and travel tax.
For OFWs in Malaysia who have active contracts, they have the option of getting an OFW Pass. Just like the OEC, the OFW Pass also serves as an OFW’s proof of identity and exit clearance, albeit in a “digitized form.” The good thing about the OFW Pass is that it can be downloaded for free through the DMW mobile application. This means that OFWs don’t need to go to the DMW to get it. It must be noted also that while the OEC has a validity of sixty (60) days and may only be used once, the OFW Pass is valid until the expiration of the OFW’s employment contract.
Renewal of OWWA Membership
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an attached agency of the DMW that focuses on protecting the welfare of OFWs. The MWO facilitates their OWWA membership renewal.
Welfare Services for OFWs
In coordination with the OWWA, the MWO helps facilitate the following welfare services for OFWs:
Counseling Services
In cases where the OFWs is experiencing work-related problems or having difficulties with adjusting to the host country’s culture, the MWO offers counseling, providing information and guidance.
Conciliation/Legal Advice
The MWO aims to help settle disputes between workers and employers/principals, through all available means. In cases where an amicable settlement or conciliation is not possible and filing a complaint with the host country’s labor authority is necessary — the MWO will assist the workers in all stages, providing legal assistance and other services.
Medical and Hospital Assistance
The MWO provides medical and hospital assistance/referrals to OFWs who are suffering physically, mentally, and/or emotionally. It also serves as the OFW’s representative with local authorities and conducts visits to the workplace, hospital, prison, or other places, depending on the case.
Temporary Shelter
For workers in distress, the MWO provides a temporary shelter. This is typically called the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center or MWOFRC.
Special Operations
From time to time, the MWO conducts special operations for workers in distress, including relief and rescue operations, coordinating with local authorities and support groups, and other necessary actions. This also applies to cases of runaways, determining their whereabouts, and other similar cases.
Capacity Building and Reintegration
For OFWs who are returning to the Philippines, the MWO and OWWA offers skills training, livelihood training, capacity-building seminars, and a reintegration preparedness program.
Case Handling and Management
In cases involving labor disputes, employer-employee problems such as salaries and benefits issues, breach of contract, termination, etc. — the MWO shall receive complaints and attempt to resolve/settle them. As mentioned earlier, in cases where an amicable settlement is not possible, the MWO shall refer the case to a competent authority and provide necessary assistance.
Assistance to Nationals (ATN)
The Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Section of the MWO is the unit responsible for addresses cases such as physical injuries/abuse, sexual offenses, and other criminal violations against Filipino workers.
Video: “Filipinos in Malaysia” Project
Just recently, on March 17, 2025, the Philippine Embassy announced the relaunching of “Filipinos in Malaysia.” This is a special project that gathers inspiring stories of Filipino individuals, groups, and organizations that are making an impact in the country.
The project celebrates the contributions of the Filipino community in Malaysia. Stories will be features twice a month on the official social media platforms of the Embassy. Watch this video for more information about the project:
Contact Information: MWO Kuala Lumpur
The MWO is based in the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. You can get in touch with the office through the following contact details:
Address: 95, Jalan Perkasa, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: (603) 2161 2222 / +60178837089 (Hotline) / +60177009593 (MWO-ATN)
Email: mwo_kualalumpur@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://kualalumpurpe.dfa.gov.ph/embassy-services/welfare-services/owwa-in-kl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the MWO in Kuala Lumpur, Filipinos in Malaysia, as well as their families back home — can rest assured that the rights and well-being of OFWs are protected in this country. From the time they depart from the Philippines until the time they come back… they can benefit from the office’s many programs and services.
Meanwhile, for those who have just arrived in Malaysia as an OFW, be sure to learn about the local culture and workplace etiquette. Read this article for more details about understanding Malaysian work culture for newbie expats.