How it works

The POLO/MWO procedure: a practical guide for European employers

Before a Philippine agency can legally deploy staff to you, you as the employer pass verification through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO, formerly POLO) at the Philippine embassy. Three things are checked: that the company genuinely exists and is financially sound, that the job order is authentic, and that the contract terms meet Philippine worker-protection standards. This is not a formality: without completed accreditation the worker will not receive the exit clearance (OEC) — the process stops at the final step, when the candidate is already selected and time is lost. That is why the procedure should be started in parallel with sourcing, not after it.

On this page

  • Who must comply (and exemptions)

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  • Where it takes place (for Austria: Vienna)

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  • When to start

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  • Document checklist

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  • Steps and timelines

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  • Costs

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  • Common mistakes

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  • What happens without accreditation

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  • The role of the licensed agency and joint liability

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Why this matters with VLO

The VLO office is in the DC Tower, within walking distance of the Vienna MWO. We accompany this procedure daily and know the current requirements first-hand.

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