MWO Directory 2026: Migrant Workers Offices Abroad
A practical directory guide for Overseas Filipino Workers looking for the nearest Migrant Workers Office (MWO), formerly POLO. Use this page to identify the right office by region, understand what MWO can do, and know when to contact DMW, OWWA, or the embassy's Assistance-to-Nationals team instead.
Verified source: The Department of Migrant Workers publishes the official MWO directory and jurisdiction list at dmw.gov.ph/mwoS. DMW also lists downloadable directory updates on its contact page.
MWO vs DMW vs OWWA
| Office | Use it for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| MWO Migrant Workers Office, formerly POLO | Contract verification, OEC support, employer disputes, unpaid salary, welfare cases abroad, labour documentation. | Nearest Philippine embassy/consulate or official DMW MWO directory. |
| DMW Department of Migrant Workers | Recruitment agency licensing, OEC systems, illegal recruitment reports, national OFW policy, central hotlines. | dmw.gov.ph |
| OWWA | Membership, welfare benefits, repatriation support, death/disability benefits, scholarships, reintegration. | MWO abroad or OWWA regional office in the Philippines. |
| DFA ATN | Emergency consular help, detention, hospitalisation, death cases, travel documents, repatriation coordination. | Embassy Assistance-to-Nationals unit. |
High-Demand MWO Regions
DMW jurisdictions change, so use this as a navigation map and verify the exact office before sending documents.
Middle East
| Country / Area | Main MWO posts commonly searched | Typical OFW needs |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar | Contract verification, OEC, unpaid salary complaints, domestic worker cases, repatriation. |
| United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi, Dubai | Contract verification, job transfer documents, OWWA membership, employer complaints. |
| Qatar | Doha | OEC support, OWWA renewal, labour disputes, shelter or welfare referral through embassy channels. |
| Kuwait | Kuwait City | Domestic worker assistance, contract issues, welfare and repatriation coordination. |
| Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon | Manama, Muscat, Amman, Beirut or nearest assigned post | MWO jurisdiction checks, labour complaints, documentation. |
Asia-Pacific
| Country / Area | Main MWO posts commonly searched | Typical OFW needs |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong | Domestic worker contracts, employer disputes, OWWA and OEC support. |
| Singapore | Singapore | Contract documentation, welfare cases, OWWA renewals. |
| Japan | Tokyo, Osaka | Specified Skilled Worker, TITP, caregiver/nursing documentation, contract concerns. |
| Taiwan | Taipei / assigned offices | Factory worker contracts, job transfer concerns, OEC and welfare help. |
| Australia and New Zealand | Assigned embassy/consulate coverage | Professional worker queries, contract verification where required, welfare referrals. |
Europe and Americas
| Region | Main MWO posts commonly searched | Typical OFW needs |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom and Ireland | London or assigned MWO coverage | Healthcare and care worker support, contract questions, OWWA coordination. |
| Italy and Western Europe | Rome, Milan, Madrid or assigned posts | Household service, elder care, documentation and welfare support. |
| United States | Washington DC and consular network coverage | Welfare referrals, employment concerns, agency verification, OWWA questions. |
| Canada | Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver or assigned coverage | Caregiver and temporary worker support, contract and welfare referrals. |
Before You Contact MWO
- Prepare your passport, visa/residence ID, employment contract, employer details, recruitment agency name, and OEC if available.
- For unpaid wages, keep payslips, bank records, screenshots, and written messages.
- For contract verification, use the exact employer name, address, job title, salary, and accommodation terms.
- For urgent danger, detention, hospitalisation, or death cases, contact the embassy Assistance-to-Nationals unit as well as MWO.
Related OFW Guides
Quick Answer
MWO is the new POLO.
Use MWO for employment-document and worker-welfare issues abroad.
Use DFA ATN for emergency consular cases.