Renewing your OWWA membership as an Overseas Filipino Worker in Hong Kong gives you a lot of opportunities and benefits. Active members can access exclusive perks that are not available to all OFWs. For a minimum fee that is good for two years, you can enjoy a wide range of projects and services that OWWA offers to all members.
If your membership is expiring in a few days or months, it’s best to renew it right away in order to continue getting coverage in case you need some assistance from the government. However, the first thing you need to do when renewing your account is to schedule an appointment online. OWWA-Hong Kong made it clear that OFWs need to get an appointment to be accommodated in the office.
Requirements for OWWA in Hong Kong
According to the MWO-Hong Kong office, OFWs can apply for membership by also processing a Contract Verification appointment. To renew your OWWA status, here are the main requirements you need to provide during your prearranged visit:
- Copy of original and valid passport
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Two copies of Contract Verification or Certificate of Employment from the employer or company stating that the OFW is not due for termination, cancellation, or resignation
- Payment for the membership fee
For contract verification, you need to submit the following documents:
- Two sets of original copies of the Standard Employment Contract
- Copy of the HK ID of the employer including their contact information
- Copy of the OFW’s HK ID including their contact details
- Original copy and photocopy of the OFW’s valid passport
- Copy of the worker’s new employment visa
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Payment for the verification fee
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The contribution amount for a membership application or renewal in OWWA Hong Kong is 196 HKD. The validity is two years for every renewal despite of contract duration, recruitment agency, job site, or change of employer. You can renew your account if you can show proof of ongoing contract or active employment abroad.
Below are the steps when paying for the OWWA fees at the MWO office:
Step 1: After getting a contract verification appointment with OWWA, head to the office to process your payment.
Step 2: Bring all the required documents and submit them.
Step 3: Settle the renewal fee and other contributions including the contract verification fee if necessary.
Step 4: Once you have settled all the payments, get the official receipt as proof of your membership renewal.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Hong Kong Appointment Online
To get a contract verification appointment, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to this website: https://www.polo-hongkong.com/.
Step 2: Click on the Schedule an Appointment button and choose the Individual Contract Verification option.
Step 3: Scroll down to select the time and date of the appointment, and then click Search to check if it’s available.
Step 4: Tap “Proceed “ in order to go to the next page after selecting your appointment time and date.
Step 5: Provide all the details required in the Domestic Worker’s Personal Information section including full name, passport number and expiration date, email address, contract number, and contact number in Hong Kong.
Step 6: Under the purpose, select Renewal of Contract.
Step 7: Complete the required fields under the Employer’s Information for Appointment System such as their full name.
Step 8: Review all the information and date of appointment before you click Submit to proceed. On the other hand, you may wish to change some details or completely cancel the appointment. If so, you need to tap “Change or Cancel Booking”.
Step 9: Wait for the email confirmation that will be sent to you which contains your appointment details.
Step 10: Take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment email and don’t forget to bring the copy during your scheduled visit to the OWWA-Hong Kong office.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Hong Kong
To renew your OWWA account, you need to set a contract verification appointment first. Generally, contract verification is one of the membership requirements of OWWA for domestic workers in Hong Kong. Once the verification process has been completed, the next step is to pay the fee and renew your account.
When setting an appointment, you may need to check again if there’s no available slot for your preferred date and time. Always review the information you provide throughout the process in order to avoid problems in the future. Also, make sure you can show up on your scheduled visit to the MWO office in Hong Kong.
To get to the OWWA-HK office, you may walk from the Admiralty Station or the Hong Kong Island. Then, you need to take Exit D to reach the office in around five minutes. While walk-ins may be accepted on the premises, the priority is those with confirmed appointments. More importantly, make sure your requirements are complete in order to be processed on the same day.
Video: Going to POLO Office Hong Kong | OWWA Renewal
In this video, you will see how to renew OWWA account for domestic workers who are based in Hong Kong. It offers a step-by-step guide for the application or renewal of membership in order to enjoy all the benefits and services of OWWA to OFWs. This video also shows some economic data that will give you an idea of how the market is going.
Summary
So you have finally learned how to process your OWWA membership renewal in Hong Kong. The best way to ensure that you will be accommodated inside the office is to get a confirmed appointment and complete the requirements. For a minimum contribution, you can become eligible for two years with all the benefits, services, and projects offered by OWWA to its active members around the world.