A DMW Job Order is an official record of an overseas job opening that has been approved by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines. It ensures that the job is legal, the employer is accredited, and the recruitment agency is authorized to process the deployment of Filipino workers. For OFWs heading to Taiwan, checking the job order status is a must before signing anything.
If your job doesn’t appear on the approved job order list, it could be a scam—or worse, a potential trafficking case.
How to Check If Your Job Offer Is Legit
You can protect yourself by taking these steps:
- Visit the DMW Website
Go to the DMW Approved Job Orders page and search for your job title and agency name. This is the most direct way to check if your job offer is officially recognized.
- Search for the Job Order
Use keywords from your job title, country (e.g., “Taiwan”), and the agency’s name. If it’s listed, make sure the job is still active—it could be expired or already filled.
- Confirm with the Recruitment Agency
Even if the job appears online, contact the agency directly. Ask if the job order is still open and request proof such as the job order number or a printout.
- Check the Agency’s License
Visit the DMW Licensed Agencies directory to verify that the agency handling your job offer is legally allowed to send workers abroad.
DMW Regulations for Job Orders
The DMW follows strict guidelines to protect OFWs like you. Here’s what the law covers:
- Approval Process – Only job orders that pass DMW’s verification can be listed and offered.
- Licensed Recruitment Only – Agencies must be fully accredited to operate legally.
- Job Order Validity – Orders remain valid until filled or canceled.
- Worker Protection – DMW checks for fair wages, safe working conditions, and legal documentation.
- Legal Basis – All of this is backed by Republic Act No. 11641, the law that created the DMW.
What Other Steps Should I Take to Ensure Job Legitimacy?
Here are more ways to protect yourself—along with tips shared by experienced OFWs:
1. Verify the Employer
- Check the company’s website:
Look for an “About Us” page, office address, and photos of real staff—not stock images. - Look for online reviews:
Join Facebook groups or Reddit communities where fellow OFWs share red flags or reviews. - Confirm business registration:
You can contact the Philippine Embassy or labor office abroad to verify if the employer is blacklisted or under investigation.
2. Scrutinize the Job Offer
- Beware of vague job descriptions:
High pay with minimal details? Many OFWs say this is a classic scam sign. - Check for excessive upfront fees:
Legit employers deduct costs from salaries or cover them. Walk away if asked to pay large sums upfront. - Look for official communication:
Match the recruiter’s email to the company website (e.g., hr@companyname.com). Avoid Gmail or Yahoo senders.
3. Verify the Recruitment Agency
- Check DMW accreditation:
Call the DMW hotline or ask to see the agency’s license. Don’t rely only on what’s posted online. - Confirm job orders:
Ask for a copy of the job order and compare it with what’s posted on the DMW website.
4. Watch for Red Flags
- Unsolicited job offers:
If you didn’t apply and get a job offer on Messenger or WhatsApp, it’s likely a scam. - Pressure tactics:
Real employers give time for contract review. If they rush you, be cautious. - Poorly written communication:
Many OFWs say scams often contain typos and generic messages. Trust your gut.
Summary Table: DMW Job Order Legitimacy Checklist
| What to Check | Where to Look | OFW Tip |
| DMW Job Order | DMW Website | Use job title + country to search. |
| Employer Credibility | Company Website, Facebook Groups | Look for real office info and staff. |
| Agency Accreditation | DMW Licensed Agencies Directory | Call the hotline to double-check. |
| Contract & Fees | Job Offer Letter | No legit agency asks for large upfront fees. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if a DMW job order is still valid?
Even if a job order appears on the DMW website, it might already be filled. Always call or message the recruitment agency to confirm if the job is still open and ask for the job order number for verification. - Is it safe to apply for a job that doesn’t appear in the DMW list?
No. If the job isn’t listed on the DMW Approved Job Orders page, it hasn’t been officially vetted. This could mean the employer or agency isn’t accredited—or worse, it could be a scam. - What’s the risk of accepting an unsolicited job offer?
OFWs warn that offers sent through Messenger or WhatsApp without prior application are common scam tactics. These offers often pressure applicants and skip proper verification steps. - Can I report suspicious job offers?
Yes. If something feels off—like high upfront fees or poor communication—report it to the DMW or visit the nearest MWO (Migrant Workers Office) in your host country. Protecting others starts with speaking up.
Final Reminder
Don’t rush. Take time to verify everything. A legitimate job offer should be clear, verifiable, and follow DMW rules. Protect yourself and your future by checking the DMW job order and making informed decisions every step of the way.
Would you like help checking a specific job post or agency? I can walk you through the steps.