Overseas Filipino Workers based in Cyprus need to apply for or renew their OWWA membership in order to get life insurance coverage. There are options for you to process your account whether you’re a first-time applicant or a member who wants to renew your status. For instance, if you have a visit visa when you apply for a job in Cyprus, you can apply for OWWA to get government services, assistance, and programs.
To renew your account, you must complete all the requirements and follow the steps to pay the OWWA fees. As an active member, you can claim benefits and assistance programs for you and your family. With proof of legal employment, you can access these benefits, especially during crisis or medical emergencies. If you want to take advantage of OWWA services, processing your account renewal is a must.
Requirements for OWWA in Cyprus
One requirement that you need to provide when renewing your OWWA is proof of active employment. In addition to that, you also need to submit other important documents to support your status as an OFW in Cyprus. Once you have completed all these requirements, you can avail yourself of training and education benefits, livelihood programs, reintegration and repatriation programs, scholarships, and loans through OWWA.
Here are the renewal requirements that you need to prepare when updating your OWWA status in Cyprus:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of valid work visa or work permit or Certificate of Employment
- Original copy and photocopy of valid Philippine passport with data page and signature
- Current visa with more than 90 days validity
- Copy of latest pay slip
- Certification from the employer or company that confirms the OFW is not due for termination, cancellation, or resignation
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee
On the other hand, not all OFWs are eligible to apply for renewal because there are some qualifications that you need to meet. You need to be a documented and legal worker with continuous work on your job site in order to apply or renew. Moreover, you must be a Filipino citizen with permanent or full-time employment in case you have already acquired a residency status in Cyprus.
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA contribution fee when renewing your account in Cyprus is the equivalent of US$25 in euros. It may vary depending on the current foreign exchange rate so you could expect it to be less. Once you have submitted all the required documents, it’s time to pay the renewal fee. Below are the steps to settle your payment through the Consular Outreach Mission:
Step 1: Check for the announcement dates via the Philippine Embassy or OWWA Athens’s official website or Facebook page.
Step 2: Contact the designated office for booking an appointment.
Step 3: Bring your confirmed appointment copy during the outreach mission in Cyprus.
Step 4: Proceed to the OWWA window and submit your documents for verification.
Step 5: Pay the fee and get your receipt.
You can also pay OWWA fees through email, here are the steps:
Step 1: Scan your requirements and send them to owwagreece.online@gmail.com and you will receive a notification of approval.
Step 2: If your request has been approved, an OWWA staff will inform you about the payment process for renewal.
Step 3: Settle your payment and send a copy of your payment to the OWWA office so they can forward your official receipt.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Cyprus Appointment Online
There’s no MWO office in Cyprus so you need to reach out to the OWWA-Athens office to process your OWWA renewal. Also, they don’t have an appointment system which means walk-ins can go directly to the office to renew their account. According to OWWA Athens, they currently accept applicants without confirmed appointments as long as they can provide all the requirements for renewal.
Make sure to follow the OWWA Athens Facebook page to get the latest updates regarding their Consular Outreach Mission schedules in Cyrus to personally process your membership without going to Athens. However, these rendered outreach services to be conducted near your location are for appointment only. You can contact the Philippine Embassy in Greece to schedule your appointment for the outreach mission.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Cyprus
Since there is no MWO office in Cyprus, you need to contact the OWWA-Athens office to renew your account. You may also reach out to the Philippine Consulate office in Larnaca and Nicosia before deciding to renew your status. If you don’t have enough time for the on-site application, you can process it through email.
OFWs can send their requirements by scanning the documents and forwarding them to OWWA Athens via email. Another convenient way to renew your account is by downloading the OWWA Mobile App on your mobile device. If you’re planning to take a vacation in the Philippines, make sure to update your membership by getting an appointment at the nearest DMW office.
Video: OWWA Membership Renewal Requirements
In this video, you can find all the requirements you need to submit during your OWWA renewal process. It also provides information about the qualifications and benefits you can enjoy when you maintain an active membership in Cyprus.
Summary
At this point, you now know how to process your OWWA application or renewal in Cyprus. There are different ways to renew your account so it should be simple and easy for you to keep your status up-to-date. With many benefits that come with being an active member, you can enjoy fast and convenient services during difficult times.
The assistance programs are also available to your eligible dependents in the Philippines. Make sure to renew your OWWA at least three months before the expiration to continue accessing these benefits, programs, and services. You just need to secure the required documents and show proof of active employment to qualify for the renewal.