The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tokyo, Japan is an important agency office for Filipino workers who have come to the country looking for better opportunities and a new life. The office offers various services to support migrant workers such as guidance on immigration issues, employment rights and regulations, insurance coverage, language classes, and more. Additionally, it advocates for the rights of migrant workers and assists them in navigating the complex legal system in Tokyo.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO), previously known as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), underwent a name change to better encompass its mission of assisting all migrant workers, including those working in both formal and informal sectors. Despite this transformation, the MWO’s main objective remains the same – to ensure the welfare and rights of Filipino citizens working abroad.
The MWO is more than just an office; it represents the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to its overseas workforce. It stands as a symbol of dedication to ensuring that every Filipino worker in a foreign country receives fair treatment and has access to necessary support and resources.

Filipino Workers in Japan: A Second Home
Japan hosts approximately 300,000 Filipino workers contributing to various sectors. These individuals, who are often far from their families and familiar surroundings, confront numerous challenges. They grapple with language barriers, cultural differences, and intricate legal and bureaucratic systems.
In this scenario, the MWO in Tokyo plays a crucial role. It functions as a guiding light, helping Filipino workers navigate these challenges, and ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded. The MWO steps in to offer necessary support, smoothing the transition for these workers, and offering a sense of familiarity in a foreign land.
Comprehensive Services Offered by the MWO
The MWO provides an extensive array of services aimed at supporting Filipino workers in Japan. These services, ranging from legal assistance to psychological counseling, address the unique challenges faced by migrant workers, ensuring comprehensive support during their stay in Japan.
Legal Aid
Understanding legal matters abroad can be a challenging task, particularly when you’re trying to navigate through complex employment and residency issues. To help alleviate this stress, the MWO offers comprehensive legal support services for Filipino workers in Japan. With these services, they assist workers in understanding their rights, guide them through the legal processes, and provide essential advice to help them resolve any issues that may arise.
Facilitation of OWWA Membership
The process of becoming a member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) can be daunting. The MWO steps in to simplify this process, making it easier for Filipino workers to become members and fully utilize the benefits and services offered by the organization. By facilitating the OWWA membership process, MWO ensures that workers have access to the necessary welfare services while working abroad.
Employment Contract Verification
Employment contracts serve as the foundation of the employer-employee relationship. The MWO takes the initiative to verify these contracts to ensure they are compliant with the labor laws of both Japan and the Philippines. This service aims to protect workers from potential exploitation and unfair practices, ensuring their rights are upheld and respected.
Assistance with Repatriation
Emergencies or contract terminations can be quite distressing, especially when they happen in a foreign country. In such instances, the MWO provides repatriation support to Filipino workers, helping them return safely to the Philippines. This includes assistance with travel arrangements, communication with family members back home, and ensuring a smooth transition back to their homeland.
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars
Preparation is key when moving to a new country. To assist Filipino workers in this regard, the MWO conducts pre-departure orientation seminars. These sessions provide workers with essential information about living and working in Japan, including cultural norms, workplace etiquette, and other important aspects of life abroad, preparing them for their journey ahead.
Workplace Inspections
Ensuring employers adhere to labor laws and regulations is crucial in protecting the rights and welfare of workers. The MWO conducts labor inspections to check if employers are complying with all the necessary laws and regulations. This proactive approach helps safeguard the rights and wellbeing of Filipino workers in Japan.
Processing of Overseas Employment Certificates
For all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate is mandatory. The MWO facilitates the processing of these certificates, easing the burden on workers and ensuring they fulfill this requirement seamlessly and without unnecessary complications.
Psychological Counseling and Support
Working abroad can present unique mental health challenges. Recognizing this, the MWO offers psychological counseling and protection services for Filipino workers in Japan. These services aim to provide a safe space for workers to discuss their concerns, seek guidance, and receive essential mental health support while they are away from home.
Availability and Accessibility of MWO’s Services
Filipino workers can access the MWO’s services in several ways. For those based in Tokyo, visiting the MWO office is an option. Please make sure to bring with you all the necessary documents for verification, and to make an appointment in advance.
The MWO also provides telephone consultations for those based outside the Tokyo area. Additionally, its website offers valuable information about its services and other helpful resources for Filipino workers in Japan.
Video: Visiting the POLO (MWO) in Tokyo for Contract Verification and OWWA Renewal
Please check out this video guide which features a Filipino overseas worker sharing his experience about Contract Verification and OWWA Membership Renewal at the MWO office in Tokyo:
Summary
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Tokyo, Japan serves as the implementation arm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Philippines overseas. It is responsible for carrying out Philippine labor policies and programs that protect the rights and promote the welfare and interests of Filipino workers in Japan.
The MWO serves as a tangible demonstration of the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its citizens working abroad. It underscores the strong bond between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting collaborative efforts to ensure the welfare of Filipino workers in Japan.
The MWO provides hope for Filipino workers by guiding them in a foreign country. The organization’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights and welfare of these workers highlight the Philippine government’s dedication to its citizens, regardless of their location.
Contact Information
MWO Office Tokyo, Japan
Address: 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-8537
Telephone: For Labor and Employment Facilitation Services: (+81 3) 6441-0428. (+81 3) 6441-0478
Email: polotokyo@gmail.com / mwo_tokyo@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://polotokyo.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mwoowwatokyo