In Lebanon, Overseas Filipino Workers can apply for or renew OWWA membership in the Migrant Workers Office at the Philippine Embassy building located in Beirut. The diplomatic ties between Lebanon and the Philippines has been established in 1946 in order to protect every OFWs according to the Lebanon and Philippine labor laws. By being an active OWWA member, you maximize your benefits and the programs that the agency offers to Filipino migrant workers in the country.
One of the OWWA benefits that help OFWs during tough times is the welfare assistance. Keeping your account active makes you eligible to claim these special benefits offered by this life insurance. Therefore, it’s crucial to renew your OWWA every two years to make sure you get the most out of it. You only need to complete a few documents and pay the renewal fee to become an active OWWA member in Lebanon.
Requirements for OWWA in Lebanon
First things first, you need to present proof of active employment to process your OWWA renewal in Beirut. This is a key factor in order to qualify for an active OWWA membership. In addition to this important requirement, you also need to prepare the following documents to renew your OWWA:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of the employer’s valid passport or ID card
- Copy of Certificate of Employment or valid employment contract
- Copy of a valid Philippine passport including the name, signature, and photo
- Membership payment which is equivalent to the current exchange rate of US$ 25
The Philippine Embassy encourages everyone to wear an appropriate outfit when visiting the building or processing any document in the OWWA office. Moreover, make sure you have all the requirements before you head to the office so that you can complete the process on the same day.
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA fee when renewing your account is the equivalent of US$ 25 based on the current foreign exchange rate. Each paid contribution gives you two years of validity regardless of the location of your job, recruitment company, contract length, and change of employer. But before you can process your OWWA payment, you need to submit all the requirements and the OWWA representative will evaluate them.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Lebanon Appointment Online
It’s important to schedule your visit to the MWO office in order to create a hassle-free experience. Also, booking an appointment ensures that you can complete the process in a faster way so that you can renew your account on the same day. To get an OWWA appointment, here are the following steps you need to do before you visit the OWWA office in Beirut, Lebanon:
Step 1: Before anything else, you need to verify your status first by contacting these numbers: +961 05953524.
Step 2: Set a date for your OWWA appointment to settle the renewal fee and other costs that may be incurred.
Step 3: Confirm your appointment before you go to the MWO office.
Step 4: Present all the required documents and have them verified at the OWWA window.
Step 5: Pay the OWWA fee at the payment counter.
Step 6: Get your renewal receipt before you leave.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Beirut, Lebanon
Renewing your OWWA gives you the eligibility to claim social and welfare benefits as well as other special programs that are only available to active members. If you need to renew your account in Lebanon, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Contact the OWWA-Beirut office thru 05953524 for membership validation. OWWA will verify your status before processing your renewal.
Step 2: If the account is still valid, the OWWA staff will verify the employment documents of the OFW. In case the membership will be expiring in three months, you need to get an appointment to pay the renewal fee.
Step 3: After contract verification, OWWA will evaluate your requirements. Your documents will be forwarded to OWWA hotline at 71-418-657 and set an appointment.
Step 4: Submit your documentary requirements during your appointment date including a copy of your valid Philippine passport, work permit, and Employer’s passport or ID card.
Step 5: Pay the renewal fee and don’t forget to get your receipt.
If you need to process your Balik Manggagawa as first-time OFW, you need to submit your employment documents that are verified by the MWO to POEA. After that, you can go to the nearest OWWA branch in order to settle the membership fee. On the other hand, if you’re renewing your passport, processing your contract verification or OEC application, you can include them in your appointment since they are also conducted at the Philippine Embassy.
Video: Paano Mag Register Sa Bagong OWWA APP | OWWA APP Membership Renewal Guide
In this video, you are going to learn how to renew your OWWA account using the OWWA mobile app. It provides a step-by-step guide in registering for an OWWA account online for first-time OFWs as well as those who need to renew their status no matter where they are in the world. You can download the app on your mobile device and simply follow the instructions in the video.
Summary
If you’ve reached this point, you are now ready to renew your OWWA account in Beirut, Lebanon. Just follow the steps and make sure you have secured all the required documents before processing your renewal. You can check out the official Facebook page and website of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut to get the latest updates regarding OWWA renewal and other services.
Active members are entitled to claim benefits including welfare benefits and financial assistance during trying times. However, new members will need to wait for three months after applying to enjoy these benefits and programs. If you have questions and other related concerns, you can email the MWO office in Beirut through lebanon@owwa.gov.ph or contact them at +961 05953524.