DMW allows seafarer contract online processing

DMW allows seafarer contract online processing
Gerard Naval -February 14, 2024 https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/dmw-allows-seafarer-contract-online-proc...

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to allow the online processing of employment contracts of on-board Filipino seafarers in a bid to streamline and expedite the system with licensed manning agencies.

In Advisory No. 3-2024, the DMW said it will begin implementing the “Online On-Board Processing Module” beginning February 15.

The DMW said that for the initial implementation, the online module will cover only on-board contract processing transactions related to extension of contract duration and/or increase in wages or salary amendments.

For extension, the DMW would not accept extension of contracts beyond 12 months from the date of departure as captured by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or as confirmed by a licensed manning agency in the Overseas Welfare Monitoring System.

The DMW said the online system will also not accept contract extension durations of less than a month.

As for salary adjustments, the DMW said the online system will not accept diminutions of whatever amount in the basic, overtime, and leave pays; and wage adjustments if the remaining contract duration is less than a month.

It also requires licensed manning agencies to ensure that details encoded in the system of processing on-board contracts are the same as the copy of the contract to be uploaded.

The manning agencies will be solely responsible for any inconsistency and error in the encoded details and the uploaded contract, the DMW said.

The department said it will continue to receive physical submissions for on-board contracts processing involving previously identified transactions for manual evaluation only until March 1.

“Afterwards, all on-board contract processing transactions involving the aforesaid identified transactions shall solely be coursed through the said online module,” the DMW said.