Overseas Filipino Workers based in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia should apply for OWWA membership and renew it every two years in order to enjoy the benefits, programs, and services offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to OFWs not only in Saudi Arabia but also to other parts of the world.
However, there is an important update regarding OWWA renewal for OFWs in Al Khobar. The POLO-Eastern Regional Operations office has been closed as of this writing. You can set an appointment and renew your account at the OWWA-Riyadh office instead. Some services may still be available in the city through POLO-ERO’s Embassy on Wheels. Make sure to follow POLO-ERO on Facebook to get the latest updates on this special service.
Requirements for OWWA in Al Khobar
Applying for membership or renewing your account gives you many benefits that can help you during a crisis. It works like insurance in case you need financial assistance during emergencies. The appointment system, on the other hand, makes it more convenient for clients to process their OWWA renewal in Al Khobar.
Here are the main requirements you need to submit during your appointment:
- Two copies of Contract Verification or Certificate of Employment
- Certification from the employer that verifies the OFW is not due for cancellation, termination, or resignation
- Copy of valid passport
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Payment for the membership fee
- Tawakkalna copy
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The contribution for OWWA membership in Saudi Arabia is SAR 94 only. It comes with 2-year validity no matter your recruitment agency, job site, contract term, and change of employer. You need proof of active employment to renew your account. It’s quick and simple to pay your OWWA fees in POLO-ERO.
After confirming your scheduled visit, you can pay your renewal during the Embassy on Wheels to which the POLO-ERO will announce when they will visit through their Facebook account page. Make sure to follow them on social media to see the dates when they will be conducting their OWWA services in Al Khobar.
Below are the steps for paying your account renewal during your appointment:
Step 1: Stay tuned to the POLO-ERO Facebook account page for the latest updates regarding Embassy on Wheels via this link: https://www.facebook.com/POLO-Eastern-Region-Operations-KSA-107568820576350.
Step 2: Submit all the requirements including the Tawakkalna and a copy of the confirmed appointment.
Step 3: Pay the fees and don’t forget to get your official receipt for future purposes.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Al Khobar Appointment Online
According to POLO-ERO, it’s important to set an appointment when the Embassy on Wheels is available in Al Khobar and the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Follow these steps to secure an OWWA appointment for your renewal or application:
Step 1: Log onto the official website of the POLO-ERO office via this link: https://appointment.owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: Select the “Site and Program”, the site option should be Al Khobar while the program is OWWA.
Step 3: Tap on the Date of Appointment button in order to proceed with the scheduling.
Step 4: Provide all the required information under the personal information page, then go to the next page.
Step 5: Review the details before confirming the OWWA appointment for renewal.
Moreover, other services offered by the Embassy on Wheels include the Submission of Job Orders, Labor and Welfare Cases, and Balik Manggagawa Contract Verification. If you want to make Pag-Ibig. SSS, or DSWD appointment, you may contact the concerned government agencies through their contact details or email addresses to get assistance.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Al Khobar
So the first thing that you need to secure when renewing your account is to book an appointment online. The security officer at the gate will ask you for a copy of your confirmed appointment before you will be allowed to enter during your visit. The service option you should have requested is for OWWA renewal in order to be accommodated accordingly.
Check your requirements before submitting to ensure that your account will be processed. From the OWWA window, proceed to the payment counter to settle the fees. The receipt will be issued on the same day of your account renewal. You can check POLO-ERO and the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh from time to time to get more information and updates.
Because of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s firm advice, the POLO-ERO office in Al Khobar was closed in November 2019. So if you’re renewing your account in order to become an active member again and enjoy OWWA benefits, you need to head to the Riyadh office for more details.
Video: How to Book OWWA on Wheels in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
In this video, you will learn how to process your online application through POLO-OWWA on Wheels. It includes a step-by-step guide to getting an appointment to apply for an OWWA account or renew your membership. Make sure to watch it until the end to see how the entire process works, especially for OFWs in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.
Summary
With this step-by-step guide on processing your membership application or renewal, you can conveniently update your OWWA status and make sure you are eligible for all the benefits, services, and programs offered to OFWs in Al Khobar and other parts of Saudi Arabia. Again, POLO-ERO is no longer operational so you need to reach out to OWWA in Riyadh to help you get an appointment and renew your account.
Since there are outreach services still conducted by OWWA staff in the Eastern Region, you can take advantage of the scheduled visits in order to process your renewal. If you can get an appointment for the available schedules of the Embassy on Wheels, you can save a lot of time and money from visiting the Riyadh office to get regular services.