If you’re working in the Cayman Islands as an Overseas Filipino Worker, it’s important to keep your OWWA membership active. You must renew it every two years to stay eligible for the benefits and assistance programs offered to active members. One of the best reasons to process your renewal whenever necessary is that you can get legal assistance in times of employer-related problems in your host country.
Some Migrant Workers Office branches require booking an appointment before going to the designated venue, while others don’t have an appointment system. Contact the concerned office for the latest updates regarding the renewal process so you know what requirements to submit and how to get an appointment online. More importantly, you must actively work abroad to qualify for the application.
Requirements for OWWA in Cayman Islands
As mentioned, you need to have current employment abroad to apply for or renew your OWWA account. You are required to submit proof of an ongoing contract in your job site such as a Certificate of Employment, company ID, or an employment contract. In addition to these documents, you must secure other requirements to update your membership status.
Here’s a list of the required documents that you need to secure according to the MWO office in Washington DC which has jurisdiction over the Cayman Islands:
- Original copy and photocopy of Philippine passport with the data page
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Relevant documents as proof of active employment abroad such as residence or work permit, latest payslip, company ID, Employment Contract, or Certificate of Employment
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
Before you proceed to the payment process, you need to submit all the documentary requirements for evaluation. After they are evaluated, you will receive a notification once you qualified for the application. The membership fee is equivalent to US$25 in KYD based on the current foreign exchange rate. You can either pay it on-site or online depending on the procedure you used for the renewal.
OFWs in the Cayman Islands can pay the membership fee through the Consular Outreach Mission. They can also settle the payment on-site via the OWWA Regional or DMW office if they are in the Philippines. On the other hand, it’s a different procedure for regular mail and email processing since there will be payment instructions sent to the applicant. For the mobile app, payment can be settled through over-the-counter payment centers, an e-wallet, or via online bank transfers.
The following are the steps you need to follow when paying via the regular mail:
Step 1: Download the OFW Information Sheet and complete the form.
Step 2: Secure all the documentary requirements and photocopy them.
Step 3: Include a prepaid, stamped return envelope with your address and send the requirements to the MWO, Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.
If you’re paying via email, here are the steps:
Step 1: Download the OFW Information Sheet and provide your details.
Step 2: Prepare all the requirements and scan them.
Step 3: Send the documents to washington@owwa.gov.ph and wait for the verification.
Step 4: Once verified, pay the fee by following the email instructions.
Step 5: Take a photo of your payment receipt, then send a copy to OWWA Washington’s email.
Step 6: Wait for the e-receipt, or claim the official receipt by emailing OWWA to get an appointment to pick up the original copy.
Procedure for Getting an OWWA Cayman Islands Appointment Online
The Cayman Islands is under the jurisdiction of the MWO office and the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. There’s no online appointment system currently in place for OFWs on the island so you need to contact the relevant office to inquire about the process. For instance, if you’re processing your renewal via the Consular Outreach Mission, you need to get an appointment from the Embassy or MWO office.
Meanwhile, OFWs in the Cayman Islands can reach out to the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami or the Bahamas, whichever is closer to them, to ask about the membership application process. OFWs in the Philippines having their vacation can also schedule an appointment at the OWWA Regional or DMW office.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in the Cayman Islands
The MWO in Washington DC conducts Consular Outreach Mission services with the Philippine Embassy in the Cayman Islands. You can register or renew your OWWA membership on-site through the outreach mission. However, you need to inquire regarding the appointment that they may require for applicants. The MWO Washington DC office also offers processing renewals via regular mail or email.
It’s highly recommended to contact the concerned office regarding these matters to get the latest information since some processes may not exist anymore. If you’re looking for a more convenient way to apply for or renew your OWWA status in the Cayman Islands, you can download the OWWA Mobile App and register an account. This allows you to process your renewal online without the need to go to the nearest MWO office to reactivate your account.
Video: OWWA Membership Online | Paano Mag Renew ng OWWA
In this video, you will learn how to renew your OWWA membership online with all the steps you need to follow and the requirements you need to submit. This easy guide will help you keep your status active so that you can continue to claim benefits, especially during difficult times in your host country.
Summary
Now that you’re ready to renew your OWWA account in the Cayman Islands, you can expect a more convenient process as long as you have all the requirements and familiarity with the entire procedure. Make sure to keep your status active to benefit from OWWA programs and benefits while working abroad. It’s best to renew your membership three months before the expiration to avoid the rush.