If you’re an OFW in Taiwan, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own—especially when problems at work, home, or with your legal documents start to pile up. But you’re not alone. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) exist to help Filipinos like us live and work abroad safely and with dignity.
They’re more than just government offices. They’re your support system while you’re thousands of kilometers away from home.
What is MECO and How Does it Help OFWs?
MECO is the Philippines’ official representative office in Taiwan. Since the Philippines and Taiwan don’t have formal diplomatic ties, MECO steps in to perform many of the same functions an embassy would.
Here’s what MECO offers:
- Consular Services – Passport renewals, document authentications, and visa-related assistance.
- Assistance to Nationals (ATN) – For emergencies, legal troubles, and repatriation needs.
- Trade, Culture, and Education Support – MECO also helps promote business, scholarship, and cultural exchange programs.
MECO also supervises the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), ensuring that Filipino workers receive the protection they’re entitled to under labor laws.
What Does the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Do?
Formerly known as POLO, the MWO is now the main office in Taiwan that supports OFWs through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). MWO is your go-to agency when you need help navigating labor issues or accessing welfare programs.
Here are some of the key services MWO provides:
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) Issuance – For legal re-entry and employment.
- Contract Verification – Ensures your employer follows fair labor practices and that your contract is legitimate.
- Legal Assistance – Support for labor disputes, abuse cases, and employer complaints.
- OWWA Membership and Benefits – Access insurance, skills training, scholarships, and livelihood programs.
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) – Education on worker rights, financial literacy, and life in Taiwan.
- Dispute Mediation – Helps resolve workplace conflicts between OFWs and employers.
- Emergency and Repatriation Services – For crisis situations or forced returns.
When to Go to MWO or MECO: Real Situations OFWs Face
Sometimes, knowing where to turn makes all the difference. Here’s how I learned to tell when I needed MWO, and when MECO was the right call.
When my employer refused to give me a copy of my verified contract, I went straight to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). They explained that all OFWs need a verified contract to protect their rights—and they helped me take the necessary steps. That was my first real encounter with how vital their services are.
Another time, I lost my passport just days before a scheduled trip home. I panicked, but someone told me to contact MECO. They handled the replacement process and made sure I had all the documents needed to travel.
When a co-worker was underpaid and forced to work long hours without rest, she turned to MWO. They assisted with legal action, negotiated on her behalf, and made sure she was compensated fairly.
And when a friend needed his marriage documents authenticated for use back in the Philippines, MECO was the one who processed them.
The roles are different—but together, MWO and MECO make sure we’re never left to handle things alone.
Where to Find MECO and MWO in Taiwan
If you need to access these services, here are their updated contact details:
MWO Offices in Taiwan
MWO Taipei
Address: 2F, No. 55-57, Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei City
Contact number: (02) 2658-9210 / (02) 2658-9211
Fax: (02) 2658-9123
MWO Taichung
Address: 20F, No. 220, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd, West District, Taichung City
Contact number: (04) 2322-8836 ext. 14
Fax: (04) 2322-2889
Email: mwo_taichung@dmw.gov.ph
MWO Kaohsiung
Address: 9F-3, No. 80, Minzu 1st Road, Kaohsiung City
Contact number: (07) 398-2475 / (07) 398-7078
Fax: (07) 398-0541
MECO Offices in Taiwan
MECO Taipei
Address: 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei City
Contact number: (02) 2658-8825 / (02) 2658-8867
Email: meco@meco.org.tw
MECO Kaohsiung
Address: 9F-2, Grand 50 Tower, No. 80, Minzu 1st Road, Kaohsiung City
Contact number: (07) 3985-935 / (07) 3985-929
MECO Taichung
Address: 20F, No. 220, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd, West District, Taichung City
Contact number: (04) 2322-8835 / (04) 2322-8992
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access financial or livelihood assistance while working in Taiwan?
Yes. Through MWO, eligible OFWs can apply for programs offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), including livelihood grants, education scholarships for dependents, and reintegration support. These benefits are accessible as long as your OWWA membership is active.
What should I do if I witness another OFW being abused or exploited?
You can confidentially report the situation to MWO. They have systems in place to investigate labor abuse and can coordinate with Taiwanese authorities when necessary. Protecting fellow workers is part of their mandate—and your report could make a critical difference.
Final Thoughts
Being far from home doesn’t mean you’re far from help. MECO and MWO exist to make sure every Filipino worker in Taiwan gets treated fairly, protected legally, and supported emotionally.
Whether you need legal aid, want to verify your contract, or just need someone to listen—these offices are here for you.
You’ve got this. And you’ve got back-up, too.