Whether you have obtained a job through a recruitment agency or your visit visa in Argentina, it’s important to apply for OWWA membership and keep it active to continue claiming benefits, programs, and services from the Philippine government. Both you and your qualified dependents can benefit from this life insurance, especially during emergencies. You can enjoy a lot of benefits including financial grants, livelihood projects, and educational scholarships.
Processing your OWWA registration and renewal is easier than you think. You only need to meet the qualifications and submit the documentary requirements to get processed. The documents will undergo an evaluation to see if you qualify. Once approved, you can proceed to the payment process depending on the procedure you used to renew your account. And that’s it, you can claim various benefits that meet your needs as an OFW in Argentina.
Requirements for OWWA in Argentina
The main requirement for OFWs to renew their OWWA status is to provide a document that proves their present employment abroad. On the other hand, you won’t qualify for membership renewal if you are canceled, resigned, terminated, or due for termination in your host country. Make sure to contact the concerned office to get the actual list of requirements you need to submit since some MWO offices ask for additional documents to evaluate your application.
OFWs in Argentina are required to submit the following documentary requirements to apply for or renew their OWWA account:
- Original copy and photocopy of a valid Philippine passport with the data page, photo, and signature
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Proof of active employment such as a Certificate of Employment issued by the employer or company, company ID, latest payslip, work permit, employer offer, visa, or other relevant document as proof of employment abroad
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The only amount you need to pay when applying for membership or renewing your account is the equivalent of US$25 in ARS based on the current foreign exchange rate. This contribution gives you two years of validity wherein you can claim benefits within that period only unless you renew your account. It’s ideal to process your renewal three months before the expiration to avoid the hassle of having an expired membership.
Since MWO Washington handles Argentina, you need to know how they accept payments for OWWA applications. For instance, they don’t accept credit/debit cards or personal checks as payments. What you can do is pay the fee using a non-cash payment Bank Draft or US Money Order. Don’t forget to include a prepaid return envelope if you’re using the regular mail transaction. Below are the steps when paying via email:
Step 1: Download the OFW Information Sheet and complete all the required details.
Step 2: Prepare the documentary requirements and scan them with clear copies.
Step 3: email the documents to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
Step 4: If you’re approved, proceed to the payment by following the instructions given to you via email.
Step 5: Take a photo of the payment receipt and forward it to MWO Washington’s email address to get our official renewal receipt.
Step 6: Send an email to OWWA for an appointment for the pick-up time of the original copy of the official receipt.
If you’re processing your membership application on-site, then you can settle the payment during your appointment. However, the most convenient way to pay the OWWA fee is through the OWWA Mobile App, which can be downloaded on your mobile device.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Argentina Appointment Online
Since there’s no designated MWO office in Argentina, you also won’t find an online appointment system in place. Instead, you can reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires or your agency to ask for assistance regarding membership application or renewal. There are nearby MWO offices that you can also visit such as those in California and Washington for any labor-related concerns.
To get an appointment, contact the MWO office in Washington or the Philippine Embassy for on-site application and renewal. If you’re in the Philippines for a short vacation, you can also schedule an appointment at the OWWA Regional office or DMW near you.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Argentina
You can renew your membership via on-site registration, email, or regular mail via the MWO office in Washington. The Embassy also conducts a Consular Outreach Mission, another on-site application procedure that OFWs can use to process their renewal. Make sure you have all the requirements when processing via regular mail or email to avoid getting rejected.
If you’re in doubt about which documents to submit, you can always ask the concerned office to give you an updated list of what you need to secure. In addition, you can inquire about the actual process for renewing or applying for membership. If you’re looking to renew anytime without leaving your house, you can use the OWWA Mobile App to process your renewal online.
Video: How to Renew Your OWWA Membership Online – Step by Step
In this tutorial video, you will get all the tips you need to renew your OWWA account online no matter where you are. It includes all the steps and documentary requirements you need to complete in order to process your renewal. The actual tips are based on firsthand experience so you’ll have an idea of what to expect throughout the process.
Summary
You should be able to process your membership renewal by now with the help of this guide. Remember to complete all the requirements and book an appointment if needed to renew or apply for an OWWA account. There are several ways to process your renewal, but you first need to present proof of active employment to qualify for the membership. More importantly, you need to contact the designated office to get the latest announcements regarding labor-related concerns in Argentina.