Overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan who are based in Kaohsiung can head to the MECO-Kaohsiung office to process their OWWA membership application and renewal. The MECO Labor Center also accommodates inquiries and other services that OFWs may need during their employment in the city. Active members can enjoy various OWWA programs and benefits that may not be available to all OFWs.
As an extension office of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the MECO in Taiwan functions as the Philippine Embassy in the country. It manages government services including DOLE, SSS, POLO, Pag-Ibig, Consular, and OWWA. The primary purpose of the office is to protect OFWs’ rights while working in Taiwan according to Taiwan and Philippine labor laws, norms, policies, and employment agreements.
Requirements for OWWA in Kaohsiung
If you want to benefit from the OWWA services and programs including their welfare benefits during emergencies and crises, it’s important to apply for membership and renew it every two years. But before that, you need to comply with all the requirements in order to process your OWWA account in Taiwan.
Make sure you can provide the following required documents during your visit to the MECO-Kaohsiung office to renew your account:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of Alien Registration Card or ARC
- Photocopy of valid Philippine passport including complete name, signature, and photo
- Copy of Certificate of Employment or Employment Contract
- Payment for the contribution fee
During the pandemic, the MECO-Kaohsiung office doesn’t accept walk-ins so make sure to contact them before visiting to see whether you need to get an appointment to process your renewal. Generally, it is recommended to book an appointment to ensure you will be accommodated at the office.
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA membership fee in Taiwan is NT$ 758 or could be less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of US$ 25. You are required to renew your account every two years in order to continue enjoying the benefits and programs of OWWA to OFWs and their qualified dependents. You need to present proof of active employment in order to process your renewal.
To pay for the contribution and other fees that you may need to settle, go to the payment counter and provide all the required documents to the staff. Once your requirements have been verified and processed, an official receipt will be given to you. Take note that you can renew your account at least three months in advance before its expiration in order to avoid the rush.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Kaohsiung Appointment Online
The MECO extension offices in Kaohsiung and Taipei require clients to schedule an appointment prior to their visit. While some OFWs claim they were able to process their OWWA accounts in Kaohsiung without getting an appointment, it is highly recommended to inquire in the office to check the current policy for renewal processes.
The goal of the appointment system is to expedite the entire process for OFWs since they may not have sufficient time to process their renewal due to their work. To set an OWWA appointment online, here are the simple steps you need to follow to get a confirmation:
Step 1: Go to the official Facebook page of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in order to check the available appointments.
Step 2: Contact the MECO extension office in Kaohsiung to verify if the chosen date of appointment is still available. If so, you can reserve the date for your OWWA processing. The MECO-Kaohsiung hotline number is 07 3982-475.
Step 3: Prior to your scheduled visit, make sure to confirm your appointment time and date. In addition, don’t forget to secure all the requirements for the renewal process.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
New members can participate in the regular services offered by OWWA, including their special programs for OFWs. However, the validity is only for two years so you must renew your account to stay eligible for these programs. Make sure to complete the OFW Information Sheet and other requirements before you go to the MECO Labor Center in the city.
Once you have a confirmed appointment with the OWWA-Kaohsiung office, you can renew your account on the said date. The following steps will guide you in renewing your account:
Step 1: Show a copy of your confirmed appointment at the gate in order to enter the MECO office.
Step 2: Proceed to the OWWA window and submit all the required documents for the verification process.
Step 3: Pay the fee for OWWA membership.
Step 4: Make sure to get the receipt and keep it just in case you need it in the future.
Video: Paano Pumunta sa MECO Kaohsiung, Taiwan
In this video, you will learn how to get to the MECO-Kaohsiung office in Taiwan for your OWWA application or renewal. It includes all the requirements you need to complete before renewing your account as well as how to get an appointment online since it is highly advised to secure an appointment prior to your visit.
Summary
So now you know how to renew your OWWA account in Kaohsiung, Taiwan with this simple guide. There are so many reasons to become an active member of OFWS, especially for the ones who don’t have insurance policies that will cover emergency medical bills and other financial assistance needs. If you want to provide a better life for your family back home, make sure to activate your account to enjoy the OWWA benefits and programs.
Processing your membership application and renewal is as easy as one-to-three. You just need to complete the requirements, get an appointment, and pay the fees. The real challenge is when you need to present proof of active employment in order to renew your OWWA. Overall, it’s important to keep up to date with the MECO-Kaohsiung office announcements to check the available appointments for your planned visit.