This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) byWego’seditorial team to ensure that the.
Updated August 2023
The Philippine government’s Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) works to safeguard and advance the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
For active members and their immediate family members, OWWA offers plenty of advantages. If you’re interested in finding out how to join OWWA, we’ve provided the procedures for applying for the aforementioned membership or renewing your membership.
Table of Contents
What is an OWWA?
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a membership organization and an affiliated agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents are promoted and protected by OWWA. OWWA is present in 31 abroad posts across 27 nations.
By default, OWWA memberships are granted to all documented OFWs. This refers to “documented” or “legal” OFWs. So if you require aid as a Filipino legally working overseas, you can go to the nearest OWWA office and ask for their help.
You can be a member of OWWA by:
- Enrolment after processing a contract at thePhilippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
- Voluntary registration of would-be members at job sites overseas by going to thePhilippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA) officeof their country abroad or when they visit theOWWA Regional Welfare officein their home region. Take note that anOWWA membership appointment bookingis very important in order to enter the OWWA office.
OWWA membership benefits
Education and training
The OWWA provides its members with a number of alternatives for financial aid and education. These programs are made to assist OFWs and their dependents who meet the requirements by preparing them for deployment, educating them on important concepts, and providing them with the necessary training and skills.
Reintegration programs
The objective of this program is to assist Filipinos who have worked overseas in reintegrating into Filipino society.
Repatriation assistance Benefits
The Repatriation Assistance Program’s objective is to bring both human remains and stranded foreign employees home. It can be required to conduct emergency repatriation during periods of political unrest or natural catastrophes. The following assistance is provided to the staff:
- Airport assistance
- Psychosocial counselling
- Stress debriefing
- Temporary Shelter at the OWWA halfway home
- Transport services to their respective provinces
Social benefits
Members of OWWA are entitled to a range of social benefits that are intended to aid in coping with unforeseen events and challenges, such as natural disasters, family deaths, illness, and various types of medical treatment.
Welfare programs
These are initiatives created to shield overseas workers (OFWs) from financial hardship and provide support as they navigate life abroad:
On-Site assistance and services for OFWs at their job sites
- Airport assistance
- Assistance on the whereabouts of the OFW
- Hospital/prison/work camp visitations
- Legal assistance to OFWs
- Psychosocial counselling
- Mediation/conciliation with the employer
In-Country Assistance for OFWs and Families at the Home Front:
- Post-Repatriation assistance
- Referrals
- Requests of families/next-of-kins (NOKs) from OWWA overseas posts for assistance
- Stress debriefing or counselling
- Temporary shelter at the OWWA halfway house
- Transportation allowance to their provinces
OWWA membership requirements
Below are the general requirements that you need to prepare for your OWWA membership application:
- OWWA Membership Form
- Copy of Passport (emphasis on the data page with photo)
- Employment pass/work permit card
- Employment contract
- Membership fee
Note: The above requirements are the general data you must 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.
How to apply for OWWA membership?
You can apply offline through one of the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in your province or online through an OWWA website.
Applying for OWWA membership offline
- Prepare all the requirements needed for OWWA membership
- Make an appointment on the OWWA website of your country.
- 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.
- Pay the applicable fee and the office will issue an official receipt. The membership shall be immediately effective after payment and is active for two years.
Applying for OWWA membership online
- Prepare the requirements needed for OWWA membership.
- Visit the designated OWWA website for your destination country.
- Look for the email where you are required to send your requirements.
- An official receipt for the membership fee will be emailed separately to you.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee through the given payment methods and membership shall be immediately effective after payment and is active for two years.
OWWA membership fee
The membership fee depends on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,500.
OWWA membership validity
The OWWA membership is valid from the time membership dues are paid until the end of the employment agreement. The membership must be renewed after two (2) years if it is still in effect.
How to check the status of my OWWA membership?
You can checkthe status of your OWWAmembership and if it is still active through the following ways for OWWA membership verification:
- With 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.
- Via Mobile App: 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.’
OWWA mobile app
You can renew your OWWA membership through the app, accessible through Google Play and App Store.
OWWA membership renewal
Depending on thecountry, theycan have a particular procedure for renewing your OWWA membership. For the specific procedure, it is advisable that you review the most recent information from the POLO-OWWA office in your country.
Some POLO offices could ask you to arrange an appointment online, while other POLO offices lack a means for doing so, forcing you to walk in and wait in line to get your OWWA membership. You can visit the OWWA official website to see see the requirements based on your country.
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As someone well-versed in matters related to overseas workers' welfare and government initiatives aimed at supporting them, I've got a comprehensive understanding of programs like the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Philippines. Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
OWWA is an agency linked with the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines. It's dedicated to safeguarding the interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents. They have a global presence with offices in various nations where Filipinos work.
OWWA Membership Benefits
Members enjoy a spectrum of advantages:
- Education and Training: Programs designed to prepare OFWs and their families for deployment, offering necessary skills and training.
- Reintegration Programs: Aiding returning OFWs to reintegrate into Filipino society.
- Repatriation Assistance: Assisting in the return of OFWs during emergencies or natural disasters.
- Social Benefits: Support for unforeseen events like family deaths, illnesses, and medical treatments.
- Welfare Programs: Financial support and services for OFWs both on-site and post-repatriation.
OWWA Membership Requirements & Application Process
To become an OWWA member, one needs to fulfill certain requirements:
- Membership Requirements: Documents like passport, employment pass, contract, and membership fee.
- Application Process: Can be done offline through regional offices or online via designated websites.
Membership Fee & Validity
The membership fee varies based on the destination country's currency, typically ranging from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,500. Membership is valid for two years from the payment date or until the end of the employment agreement, whichever comes first.
Checking Membership Status & Renewal
OWWA membership status can be checked through receipts or the OWWA mobile app. Renewal procedures vary by country and might require appointments or direct visits to regional offices.
Understanding these concepts is vital for OFWs and their families seeking assistance and support through OWWA. The renewal and verification procedures ensure continuous access to benefits during overseas employment.
