How do I check if a manning agency's DMW licence is valid?

Search the agency's exact name on the official DMW list of licensed recruitment agencies (dmw.gov.ph/inquiry/licensed-recruitment-agencies). Only deal with an agency whose licence shows as valid — if it is not on the list, or shows as suspended, cancelled, or delisted, do not apply or pay anything.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, which absorbed the former POEA) publishes the official list of licensed land-based and manning (seafarer) recruitment agencies. This is the authoritative place to confirm an agency is allowed to recruit at all.

Step by step: open the DMW 'Licensed Recruitment Agencies' page, search the agency's exact registered name, and check its status and validity dates. Cross-check that the office address and contact details match where you are actually dealing with them — scammers often copy or slightly misspell the name of a real licensed agency.

Understand the status labels: a valid licence means the agency may legally recruit; suspended means it is temporarily barred; cancelled or delisted means it can no longer operate. Never proceed with an agency that is suspended, cancelled, delisted, or simply absent from the list.

Verifying the licence is necessary but not sufficient — even with a licensed agency, you should never be charged a placement fee, and every contract should be a DMW-verified POEA-SEC. Use the verification together with the anti-scam checks before you commit.

Official link

DMW — List of licensed recruitment agencies →

Official Philippine government portal. Eagle Intelligence is independent and not affiliated with this agency.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly do I check a manning agency's licence?

On the official DMW list of licensed recruitment agencies at dmw.gov.ph/inquiry/licensed-recruitment-agencies. It is free to use.

What if the agency is not on the DMW list?

Do not proceed. An agency that is not on the official DMW list is not licensed to recruit, and dealing with it is high-risk for illegal recruitment.

The agency shows as 'suspended' or 'cancelled' — can I still apply?

No. A suspended licence means the agency is temporarily barred from recruiting; cancelled or delisted means it can no longer operate legally. Walk away.

The name is almost the same as a real agency — what should I do?

Be careful: scammers imitate licensed agencies' names. Match the exact name, registered address, and contact details, and deal only through the agency's verified office — not a random social-media account.

Key references: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) · POEA-SEC. This is general guidance, not legal advice — verify current rules with the issuing authority or a qualified professional. Last reviewed 2026-06-28 by the EAGLE Intelligence Unit.