The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers. For OFWs in India, maintaining an active OWWA membership is not only a legal requirement but also a means of accessing essential services and benefits from the government. Make sure to renew your OWWA account before it expires so that you can continue availing of these services and programs.
Active OWWA members can access various training programs, welfare assistance, and even repatriation support during emergencies at their job site. Not only that, your qualified dependents can also enjoy these long-term benefits to live a better life. When processing your application or renewal, you must show proof that you are actively working abroad and present other important documents to the nearest MWO office.
Requirements for OWWA in India
It’s important to contact the concerned office to get the latest information on the documentary requirements that OFWs need to submit when renewing their OWWA status in India. Any incomplete documents will not be processed and might be returned to the applicant. Some countries don’t have a designated MWO office so you need to contact the Philippine Embassy in your host country to know what to do in that case.
The following are the renewal requirements you need to prepare before your appointment or day of application on-site:
- Proof of active employment such as company ID, Employment Contract, Certificate of Employment, residence permit, work permit, latest payslip, or any relevant document to verify active employment abroad
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Original copy and photocopy of a valid Philippine passport including the data page, signature, and photo
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25 in INR
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
If you’re processing your application or renewal on-site, make sure to bring the exact amount for the membership fee. In India, you must pay the contribution amount equivalent to US$25 in INR based on the current foreign exchange rate. However, you must secure all the requirements before proceeding to the payment counter. The validity for each paid contribution is two years no matter your contract duration or change of employer.
For the payment process, you can settle the membership fee during your appointment if you’re processing your renewal onsite. Here’s how you should do it:
Step 1: Call or email the PCG offices in Chennai, Kolkata, or Mumbai, or the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi in order to get an OWWA appointment.
Step 2: Save a copy of the confirmed appointment and prepare all your documents.
Step 3: Go to the application site during your appointment.
Step 4: Go to the OWWA window and present your documents for evaluation.
Step 5: Wait for confirmation, then proceed to the payment counter and get your renewal receipt.
If you use the app, you can pay the contribution fee with your chosen payment method such as payment centers, e-wallets, or online bank transfers.
Procedure for Getting OWWA India Appointment
Every MWO office has its own appointment policy so you need to reach out to the concerned office before you process your OWWA membership renewal. In India, there’s no available online appointment system and no designated MWO office. Therefore, you are advised to inquire at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi to get the latest information regarding OWWA registration and appointment booking.
You may also contact your recruitment agency to help you process your membership. Filipino migrant workers in India can visit the nearest MWO offices in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia to renew their accounts. Another option is to contact the Philippine Consulate General offices in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. If you’re in the Philippines, you can go to the OWWA Regional or DMW office near you to get an appointment.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in India
If you can’t find enough information on the internet regarding the OWWA account application or renewal in India, you can use the OWWA Mobile App to process your documents. All you need to do is download the app if you don’t have it yet. Launch it on your mobile device and start the registration process. Once you are logged in, follow the instructions until you reach the payment method. You can pay the OWWA fee through e-wallets or bank transfers.
On the other hand, if you want to apply for or renew your account at the OWWA Regional or DMW office, you should schedule an appointment and submit all the required documents. For on-site applications, you can opt for the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi. Stay updated with their upcoming outreach service in your area to get an OWWA appointment.
The MWO offices in Kuala Lumpur and Riyadh are also open for inquiries and other related concerns of OFWs renewing their OWWA status. You can contact one of these offices to confirm your appointment and the actual requirements you need to submit. If you want to know more, you can email them at malaysia@owwa.gov.ph or owwamalaysia@yahoo.com.my.
Video: List of OWWA Benefits, Programs & Services for OFWs and Dependents
In this video, you will discover the benefits, services, and programs offered by OWWA to OFWs who are active members. See which particular program you can benefit from so that you can improve your living conditions and career opportunities abroad.
Summary
To wrap it up, it’s easier to process your OWWA membership in India by following all the steps and submitting the requirements before you pay the fee. To continue enjoying the benefits and programs of the Philippine government, you should renew your OWWA account every two years. That way, you and your qualified dependents will benefit from everything that the membership has to offer. For a minimum fee, you can maximize your OWWA benefits no matter where you are right now in the world.