How to Become an OWWA Member? - OWWA Member (2024)

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a Philippine national government agency that protects and promotes the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) all over the globe and their dependents. OWWA provides certain benefits for active members and their immediate beneficiaries. In case you want to know how to become an active member of OWWA, we have listed the ways for your to apply for the said membership or renew your membership. Please check out the details below for more information.

Also Read:How to Apply DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs (Php 10,000 COVID-19 Cash Assistance)

All documented OFWs, by default, are automatically OWWA members. Take note that this means “documented” or “legal” OFWs. So if ever you need help as a Filipino legally working abroad, you can head over to the nearest OWWA office to ask for assistance. If you are vacationing in the Philippines, there are OWWA regional welfare offices in your province where you can also ask for assistance. Please make sure to take the initiative to check if your membership is active or not. The fee is only 25 USD and is valid every 2 years.

Note: If you travelled overseas under a tourist visa, and found a job in the country, it is important that you should sign up for this OWWA membership. You can visit the nearest POLO-OWWA office in your country to verify your contract documents and sign up to become an OWWA member.

How can I become an active member of OWWA as an OFW?

OWWA is a membership institution and is mandatory for all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). All OWWA members are entitled to various benefits and services offered by this agency.

You can be a member by:

1. Enrolment after processing a contract at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
2. Voluntary registration of would-be members at job sites overseas by going to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA) office of their country abroad or when they visit the OWWA Regional Welfare office in their home region. Take note that an OWWA membership appointment booking is very important in order to enter the OWWA office.

Also Read:List of OWWA Scholarships and Education Training Programs

Requirements for OWWA Membership

The OWWA membership is effective from the date of membership payment up until the expiration of the employment contract. The membership is valid for two (2) years after which it has to be renewed.

• OWWA OFW Information Sheet (also known as OWWA Membership Form)
• Copy of Passport (emphasis on the data page with photo)
• Employment Pass/Work Permit Card
• Employment Contract
• Membership Fee (depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500)

Note: The above requirements are the general data that you need to present. These document requirements may vary depending on the location of the OWWA office where you will renew your account. If you are going to renew your OWWA onsite, please check the specific requirements from the specific OWWA office or POLO-office of the city handling OWWA memberships.

Step by Step Process for Becoming an OWWA Member

Here are the steps on how you can activate your OWWA membership through your nearest OWWA Regional Welfare office in your province or the OWWA international office in the country where you are working.

1. Prepare the Requirements needed for OWWA Membership

• OWWA OFW Information Sheet – download and print the information sheet from the agency’s website (www.owwa.gov.ph)
• Copy of Passport (emphasis on the data page with photo)
• Employment Pass/Work Permit Card
• Employment Contract
• Membership Fee (depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500)

2. Visit your region’s OWWA Agency and present the required documents. Please follow all of the officer’s guidance in applying for your Overseas Workers Welfare Association Membership.
3. Pay the applicable fee and an Official Receipt will be issued by the office. The membership shall be immediately effective after payment and is active for two years.

How to Apply for OWWA Membership Online

For the process on how to renew and verify your OWWA membership online, please follow the steps:

1. Prepare the Requirements needed for OWWA Membership

• OWWA OFW Information Sheet – download and print the information sheet (also known as OWWA membership form) from the agency’s website (www.owwa.gov.ph)
• Copy of Passport (emphasis on the data page with photo)
• Employment Pass/Work Permit Card
• Employment Contract
• Membership Fee (depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500)

2. Visit the designated OWWA website for your destination country.
3. Look for the email where you are required to send your requirements.
4. An official receipt for the membership fee will be emailed separately to you.
5. Pay the OWWA membership fee through given payment methods and membership shall be immediately effective after payment and is active for two years.

Also Read:How to Get an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for OFWs

How to Verify OWWA Membership via Mobile App

You can also apply online by installing the OWWA Mobile Application (Google Play for Android users and App Store for Apple Users). Sign up on the mobile app and fill up the registration form. In case you want to verify your OWWA membership via mobile app, check out the following steps:

1. Install the OWWA Mobile Application (Google Play for Android users and App Store for Apple Users)
2. Log in with your username and password. If you do not have OWWA membership login details, sign up in the mobile application.
3. Click the Information tab.
4. Under your information tab, there will be an indication if you are an active or an inactive member.
5. If you are an inactive member, you are advised to renew your membership.

How to Check the Status: OWWA Membership Verification Online?

For OWWA membership verification, you can easily check the status of your account and see if it is still active through the following options:

1. Check your OWWA membership slip – Once you have a receipt of your OWWA certificate, you can simply check the date from your OWWA receipt and if the date is beyond 2 years already, it means your OWWA membership is INACTIVE and you have to renew it again. Remember that OWWA is valid every 2 years.
2. Check OWWA status via Mobile App – The other option is to access the OWWA mobile app. Once you have entered your details in the mobile app, you can see the status if it is ‘ACTIVE’ or ‘INACTIVE’.

How to Renew OWWA via Mobile App

There are those who have smartphones and can download the OWWA mobile app in order to check their membership. Here are the steps.

1. Install the OWWA Mobile App (Google Play for Android users and App Store for Apple Users)
2. Log in with your username and password. If you do not have login details, sign up in the mobile application.
3. Proceed to your Profile and you will see your latest employment contract record.
4. Pay your membership fee upon renewal through the application’s Member Online Payment System (MOPS) of LANDBANK-BANCNET.

Please check this article out to get the step-by-step method of how to register via OWWA Mobile App.

Here is a video of the OWWA Mobile App to get a glimpse of the benefits and services offered when you download it to your Smartphone:

Is OWWA Membership Mandatory?

Yes, renewing your OWWA account is mandatory for all OFWs. This is your form of insurance especially when you need assistance. This membership is renewed every 2 years. Whenever you renew your employment contract, you pay the OWWA membership fee equivalent to 25 USD.

How to Download OWWA Membership Form / OFW Information Sheet?

The main document application form of OWWA is called the OFW Information Sheet. It is also referred to as the OWWA Membership Form. This OFW information sheet contains information that you need to fill out such as personal details, employer and contract details, and beneficiary details.

The OFW information sheet is very important as this is where you need to make sure that your data is accurate and updated. After all, if something happens to you while abroad, this is where your contact details will be pulled up by the OWWA agency. So please make sure you do not forget to keep your information up-to-date!

You may learn more about the OFW Information Sheet here.

Below is a sample image of this document.

Services Available in OWWA Mobile App

In case you are wondering why you should install the app, below is the list of services you can avail of when you download the OWWA mobile app:

• Access OWWA profile
• Check your latest employment contract
• Verify the status of OWWA membership
• Renew OWWA membership
• Pay for OWWA membership fee
• Access your transaction history
• Check FAQs and Important OWWA details and contact information.
• View your passport.

Video: List of OWWA Programs and Services

In case you want to get an idea of the many products and services that OWWA has, please check out the video below to guide you. These OWWA benefits may be updated in time.

Just like in these health challenging times, there are many new projects being launched to cater to OFWs who have been affected by the crisis such as the DOLE-AKAP, Tabang OFW and Project EASE. These programs are meant to help every OFW member to get maximum benefits and assist them and their family dependents while they are working abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about the OWWA membership process and the agency in general:

1. What does it mean to be an OWWA member?

As an OWWA member, you are entitled to a wide range of benefits that include the following: access to scholarship training and education programs, overseas employment opportunities, social and welfare assistance, and more. In addition, as a member of OWWA, you are part of a community of Filipino workers who support one another.

2. How much does it cost to become an OWWA Member?

The cost of membership is USD 25 (or the equivalent currency based on your location) and it is valid for 2 years.

3. Who is eligible to become an OWWA Member?

You are eligible to become an OWWA member if you are a Filipino citizen and have worked overseas as a contract worker. In addition, you must be able to provide proof of your overseas employment.

4. Is there a waiting list for OWWA Membership group?

There is no waiting list for OWWA membership. However, due to the high demand for membership, it is advisable to apply for membership as soon as possible to keep your account active and to make sure you can access all the benefits in times of need.

5. How can I apply for OWWA Membership?

To apply for OWWA membership, you can visit the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate in your area if you are abroad. You can also download the application form from the OWWA website and submit it via mail or email. You can also download the OWWA mobile app and access it to renew your status.

6. I want to apply for a job in OWWA, how do I send my application?

The OWWA website has a jobs and careers page where you can apply and become part of the OWWA team. You need to be qualified for the position before sending your application. You can visit the Careers page at http://careers.owwa.gov.ph/.

7. How do I pay OWWA membership online?

You can pay the OWWA membership online by registering through the OWWA mobile app and following the steps in checking your account details and sending the payment.

Summary

So these are the steps on how you can become an OWWA member. We hope this article serves as a useful guide on the ways you can apply for the said benefits and renew your membership online. If you have any clarifications, you can always visit the official website at owwa.gov.ph.

Again, it is important to keep your membership active so you can take advantage of the benefits and programs available for OFWs in OWWA. It has become more important to have these government benefits available, especially during these challenging times.