Life insurance is an essential protection for everyone, especially for Overseas Filipino Workers living abroad. If you work in high-risk nations, you must apply for OWWA membership to maximize your benefits during difficult times. OFWs who are assigned to farther places like Kenya are encouraged to renew their status so that they will remain eligible to claim assistance programs that can help them and their families live better.
There are so many reasons to become an active OWWA member, such as improving your livelihood, education, and career opportunities overseas. If you want to support your family even during a crisis, OWWA can provide you with financial assistance as well as medical, calamity, and death benefits. Whether you have an expired membership or a new applicant, processing your renewal or application must be on your to-do list.
Requirements for OWWA in Kenya
One of the most important things to consider when applying for membership or renewing your account is to understand what type of requirements you need to submit. Not all Migrant Workers Office across the globe require the same documents, so you should contact the concerned office to know what you need to prepare. However, a general requirement for applicants is proof of current employment in their host country.
For OFWs in Kenya, you need to secure the following documents to renew your OWWA account:
- Proof of active employment such as Certificate of Employment, Employment Contract, company ID, work permit, Permit to Stay, latest payslip, or any relevant employment document
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25 in KES
- Copy of Philippine passport with the data page, photo, and signature
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The only fee you need to pay when processing your OWWA membership is the amount of US$25 in the local currency where you are currently employed. For example, that would be equivalent to KES based on the current foreign exchange rate for OFWs in Kenya. Before applicants can proceed to the payment process, they must submit all the documentary requirements for evaluation. Once confirmed, you can settle the payment and claim your receipt.
The mode of payment depends on how you process your renewal, either on-site or online. Here are the steps for the payment process via the Consular Outreach Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Kenya:
Step 1: Visit the Facebook page or website of the Philippine Embassy in Kenya or call them to get an appointment.
Step 2: Print the confirmed appointment, then prepare your requirements.
Step 3: Go to the application venue during your appointment.
Step 4: Present all the documents at the OWWA window for evaluation.
Step 5: Settle the OWWA payment and get your official receipt.
On the other hand, you can also settle the payment online if you use the OWWA Mobile App:
Step 1: Get the mobile app if you don’t have it and then register a new account by using your active email to receive the login details.
Step 2: Log in to the app and choose Information at the lower portion.
Step 3: Check whether your status is active or inactive. For inactive accounts, select the Renew Membership Here button and click to accept the Terms of Service.
Step 4: If necessary, update some information on the employment category and click Submit.
Step 5: Under the LandBank payment page, select Payment Option to choose a payment method.
Step 6:Save your reference number, then follow all the instructions on your screen to settle the fee.
Step 7: Take a photo of the transaction, or get your electronic receipt for future use.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Kenya Appointment Online
Some countries don’t have a designated MWO office including Kenya. In this case, you won’t find an online appointment system for your OWWA application. However, you can find a nearby Philippine Embassy or MWO offices to inquire about your registration or renewal. OFWs based in Kenya can reach out to the Embassy in Nairobi to get an appointment for the Consular Outreach Mission that they will conduct near you.
Moreover, some of the nearest MWO offices you can visit are those in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Morocco, and Rabat. If you are unsure what to do, please contact these offices to get the latest updates regarding OWWA renewal. For OFWs who are currently in the Philippines, it’s best to contact the OWWA Regional Office or DMW to schedule an appointment.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Kenya
Perhaps, you have already checked the Philippine Embassy in Kenya’s official Facebook page and website but didn’t get enough information on renewing your membership. Therefore, the next thing you should do is to ask the Embassy in Nairobi regarding the next Consular Outreach Mission that they will be conducting so that you can confirm your appointment and apply on-site.
Furthermore, if you intend to renew your membership while vacationing in the Philippines, you can reach out to the OWWA Regional Office or DMW to process your requirements. For a more convenient process, download the OWWA Mobile App on your phone and register your account to apply or renew online. There are several payment options to choose from such as e-wallets, over-the-counter payment centers, and online bank transfers.
Video: OWWA Membership and Renewal
In this video, you will get an idea of how to renew your OWWA membership, the requirements you need to prepare, and other helpful tips to keep your account active and stay eligible to claim the benefits, services, and programs offered by OWWA to OFWs.
Summary
Now that you’re familiar with the steps to process your OWWA membership renewal and the requirements you need to complete, you should be able to renew your account in no time. Choose the best procedure for your application and get confirmation before you pay the fee. Enjoy your benefits and assistance programs in the long run by renewing your status every two years.