Navigating the paperwork for overseas employment can feel like a maze, but staying updated on the latest regulations is the best way to ensure a smooth hiring process.
Starting 01 March 2026, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong (formerly POLO) will implement a new schedule of verification fees for employment contracts and related documents. This adjustment follows Joint Circular No. 2024-1, a standard update affecting Philippine missions globally to streamline administrative operations.
Whether you are a Filipino worker preparing for a new role or an employer looking to hire, here is a clear breakdown of what is changing—and, more importantly, what is staying the same.
The Quick Summary: Who is Affected?
Before diving into the numbers, let’s clear up the most common question: Does this affect everyone? The short answer is no. The fee adjustment is specifically targeted at new contracts and specific agency-related documents.
- NOT Affected: Contract renewals (re-contracts) and transfers of employers for workers already in Hong Kong.
- Returning Workers: Balik Manggagawa or returning workers will continue to pay the standard fee of HKD 80.00.
- Who Pays: For land-based and sea-based hires, these verification fees are typically to be settled by the Employer, Foreign Recruitment Agency, or Manning Agency, not the worker.
Detailed Fee Schedule (Effective March 1, 2026)
The new rates reflect an adjustment from the previous long-standing fees. Below is the updated cost per document type as verified by MWO Hong Kong.
1. Land-based Contracts
To be paid by the Employer or Foreign Recruitment Agency.
| Particulars | Old Fee (HKD) | New Fee (HKD) |
| Individual Employment Contract (Individual or Multiple Hires) | 80.00 | 320.00 |
| Job Order / Manpower Request | 240.00 | 320.00 |
| Recruitment Agreement | 240.00 | 320.00 |
| Master Employment Contract (MEC) | 240.00 | 320.00 |
2. Sea-based Contracts
To be paid by the Employer or Agency.
| Particulars | Old Fee (HKD) | New Fee (HKD) |
| Manning Agreement | 240.00 | 320.00 |
| Special Power of Attorney (SPA) | 240.00 | 320.00 |
| Crew Complement | 240.00 | 320.00 |
3. Other Documents
For other relevant documents required by the MWO, the fee has been adjusted from HKD 80.00 to No Fee in certain instances, or adjusted based on the specific nature of the request.
Why the Change? Understanding Joint Circular No. 2024-1
It has been several years since the verification fees were last updated. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), issued Joint Circular No. 2024-1 to standardize these costs across all Philippine Migrant Workers Offices worldwide.
The goal is to ensure that the MWOs have the necessary resources to continue providing vital services, such as:
- Contract Review: Ensuring terms meet the minimum labor standards.
- Onsite Assistance: Providing a safety net for workers in distress.
- Efficiency: Speeding up the authentication process through better digital integration.
Practical Tips for Employers and Agencies
- Check Your Dates: If you are in the middle of a hiring process, any documents submitted to the MWO on or after March 1, 2026, will be subject to the new rates.
- No “Hidden” Costs for Workers: It is worth reminding everyone involved that according to Philippine regulations, the cost of contract verification for new hires is an employer-borne expense.
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