It’s crucial for Overseas Filipino Workers in Bahrain to keep their OWWA memberships active in order to continue enjoying the benefits and services for OFWs and their dependents. Some of the important things to consider when applying for or renewing your account are the required documents and the process that should be followed.
If you’re planning to renew your OWWA or apply for membership, you need to visit the Philippine Embassy located in Manama, Bahrain. Those who are already members are advised to renew their accounts three months before the expiration. If it becomes invalid, you might not enjoy some benefits that are offered exclusively to active members.
Requirements for OWWA in Bahrain
Keeping your OWWA active helps you obtain benefits while ensuring your safety in case there is an emergency and you need the assistance of the government. Whether you’re applying to be a member or renewing your account in Bahrain, you need the following information and requirements:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or Membership Form
- Copy of valid passport
- Two copies of Contract Verification or Certificate of Employment
- Certification from the employer stating that the OFW has not resigned, canceled, termination, or due for termination
- Payment for membership fee
OWWA Fees and Validity
The OWWA contribution per member is 11.23 BHD, while the membership validity is two years before renewal is required. After applying or renewing, you become an active member for two years regardless of the length of your contract, recruitment agency, job site, or change of employer. You need to provide proof of active employment in order to renew your OWWA status.
The receipt will be issued right after your application has been successfully processed. Make sure to wear appropriate clothes during your visit to the OWWA office and follow the rules inside the premises. OFWs in Bahrain are expected to maintain safety and order at the embassy. If you have questions or other concerns, you can reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain’s Facebook page via this link: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain/ for more details.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Manama Bahrain Appointment Online
There’s no need to book an appointment online before renewing your account at the OWWA office. Therefore, you only need a personal appearance in order to process your renewal. In other words, the office accepts walk-ins as long as they can provide all the required documents and settle the payment in order to renew OWWA accounts.
However, it’s important to get updates from the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain just in case they change the guidelines for membership applications and renewals. Until there is an announcement for booking an appointment before going to the OWWA office, you can go directly and submit your requirements to renew your account.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Bahrain
The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain doesn’t only process OWWA memberships, but it also accommodates payment for Pag-Ibig and SSS contributions for OFWs. You can also process your payment for Employment Contract Verification through the office. Prepare for the long queue in case there are other OFWs processing their requirements during your visit.
Before going to the OWWA office, double-check your requirements and other documents that might be needed. Once you have secured all the required documents for OWWA renewal, you must undergo the actual process of renewing your account. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the OWWA Membership Form through this link https://manamape.dfa.gov.ph/images/2021/POLO-OWWA/OWWA_OFW_Information_Sheet_FM-MPC-OIS-D01.pdf and print the form.
Step 2: Fill out the application form with your details including OR number, OR date, validity, and date.
Step 3: Provide your personal details under the Personal Data section including your complete name, address in the Philippines, date of birth, contact number, highest education attainment, and course.
Step 4: Complete the Contract Particulars once you have completed the Personal Data section. The details you need to provide include your employer’s name or company, telephone number, business address, position, job site or host country, contract duration, monthly salary and currency, and agency name, if any.
Step 5: The next step is to fill out the Legal Beneficiaries and Qualified Dependents section. Provide the complete name, relationship, date of birth, contact number, email address, and home address.
Step 6: Review the details you provided and sign the sheet. Bring two copies during the processing of your membership renewal.
Step 7: Go to the OWWA Office in Bahrain and submit all your requirements and any additional documents to proceed with the renewal.
Step 8: Go to the payment counter and settle the fees. Make sure to get your receipts for future reference.
Video: Going to Philippine Embassy Bahrain Renew OWWA
In this video, you are going to learn some helpful tips when renewing your OWWA account in Bahrain in order to continue enjoying all the benefits and services offered to OFWs. You will see what the actual process looks like and understand what to do during your visit to the OWWA office. All the information in the video is from the real experience of OFWs living in Bahrain.
Summary
Now that you know how to apply for membership and renew your OWWA in Bahrain, you can proceed to the OWWA office in Manama to submit your requirements and pay the fees. Remember to keep your account active in order to enjoy all the benefits and programs of OWWA to OFWs and their beneficiaries. This is especially helpful during emergencies and situations where you need financial assistance for your family.
With the new programs that OWWA offers to OFWs based in Bahrain and other parts of the world, it’s important to stay an active member. In case you need some social assistance, you can go to the nearest OWWA office on your job site. Make sure to check with the embassy if they need an appointment before visiting to avoid wasting your time and money.