Perhaps you’re wondering how to process your OWWA membership as an Overseas Filipino Worker in Belgium. There are a few options to apply or renew your account depending on what is more convenient for you. For instance, you can apply for membership through the on-site program or online using the mobile app. If you have active employment overseas, you are qualified to process your application by submitting the requirements to the OWWA office near you.
There are so many reasons to apply for membership and renew your account every two years. It offers OFWs and their families financial assistance, livelihood programs, education and training, medical support, and even legal assistance. To enjoy all these benefits, you need to provide the required documents and pay the contribution amount. All OFWs based in Belgium should keep their membership active to maximize their benefits.
Requirements for OWWA in Belgium
As mentioned, you need to have active employment to renew your account in Belgium. Other than that, you also need to present other important documents to prove you are a legally documented OFW. Once you have completed all the documentary requirements as listed by the Philippine Embassy in Brussels via Facebook post, they will be evaluated before you can proceed to the payment process.
Below are the renewal requirements you need to secure before you process your OWWA application:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Copy of Philippine passport with data page
- Copy of proof of active employment such as Employment Contract, latest payslip, company ID, work permit, bank account entries for salary, Philippine insurance application with employer’s signature, or other relevant proof of employment
- Payment for the OWWA fee in Euro
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
OFWs need to pay the equivalent of US$ 25 in euros based on the current foreign exchange rate. Each contribution is valid for two years regardless of your job contract duration, host country, recruitment agency, and change of employer. The payment process depends on your chosen method of application such as via email or the online registration portal.
If your documentary requirements are approved after the evaluation and you want to pay via email, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Prepare all the required documents and scan each copy.
Step 2: Send the scanned copies to owwamemb@gmail.com.
Step 3: Wait for the MWO office in Berlin’s confirmation message stating your request for approval.
Step 4:Pay the contribution fee to the concerned office: Embassy of the Philippines-OWWA, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, UNTER DEN LINDEN 13/15, 10117 Berlin, DEUTDEBB101 (BIC), DE61 1007 0100 0310 9808 00 (IBAN).
Step 5: Send a copy of the remittance or bank transfer for the renewal payment.
On the other hand, here are the steps for paying the OWWA fee via the OWWA Online Membership Registration portal:
Step 1: Go to the OWWA Membership Payment Registration portal here: https://membership.owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: Complete the required details including your personal information, legal beneficiaries, and employment information.
Step 3: Upload a copy of your Philippine passport and employment contract.
Step 4: Check the details before clicking on the Submit Application button.
Step 5: Wait until you get the email confirmation which contains your transaction number as well as the payment instructions.
Procedure for Getting an OWWA Belgium Appointment Online
Since there’s not enough information regarding the online appointment system for OFWs applying for membership in Belgium, it’s important to contact the concerned office to get the latest guidelines. The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, however, conducts on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal services in Belgium through the Consular Outreach Mission. During this event, you might need to book an appointment by contacting them.
You can reach out to the Embassy in Brussels to inquire about their upcoming outreach mission in your area to secure an appointment. If you’re planning to take a short vacation in the Philippines, you can also schedule an appointment with your local DMW office to apply for OWWA or renew your membership.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Brussels, Belgium
The MWO in Berlin manages all labor-related services for Filipino migrant workers in Belgium since there’s no designated MWO in the country. The MWO-Berlin office and the Philippine Embassy in Brussels conduct consular outreach missions to help OFWs process their membership application and renewal. If you need to get information regarding the current steps in renewing your OWWA, you can contact the Embassy for the actual process.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Berlin’s official website, OFWs are advised to apply for or renew their account by providing all the required documents via email. Again, OFWs are highly advised to keep in touch with the concerned office in order to get the latest update regarding OWWA application through email.
Furthermore, OFWs can register via the OWWA Online Membership Registration portal of MWO Berlin since Belgium is currently under its jurisdiction. With the help of this portal, OFWs can process their account renewal online. You can also take advantage of the OWWA Mobile App to apply or renew your status using your mobile device. To settle the payment, you can choose from payment centers available near you.
Video: How to Renew & Pay OWWA Membership Online?
In this video, you will learn how to renew your OWWA account online and pay the fee using your mobile phone. You don’t need to leave the house to process your renewal by simply taking advantage of the OWWA Mobile App and GCash online payment.
Summary
So this is all you need to know when it comes to processing your OWWA membership renewal in Brussels, Belgium. Make sure you have all the requirements in order to proceed with the payment process. As an active member, you can claim all the benefits and programs that OWWA offers to OFWs around the world.
