Getting your life insured is one of the most important things you should prioritize as it protects you and your family from any unforeseen events. Sickness and death are two crucial factors to consider when acquiring life insurance. This is especially true for Overseas Filipino Workers whose lives are mostly at risk abroad. So if you haven’t thought of applying for an OWWA membership, get it on your priority list now.
OFWs in Nigeria with an expired OWWA account have several options to process their renewal. You can do it on-site or online, depending on your preference. Either way, renewing your status shouldn’t be difficult as long as you are familiar with the steps and requirements that you need to complete. More importantly, you need to inquire the concerned office regarding their appointment booking policy to see if they accept walk-ins or not.
Requirements for OWWA in Nigeria
Since one of the basic requirements is proof of active employment abroad, OFWs who want to renew their OWWA account must not be terminated, canceled, resigned, or due for cancellation or termination. You need to complete all the documentary requirements and submit them for evaluation before you can proceed to the payment process. Any incomplete application will not be processed by the OWWA.
If you’re in Nigeria and you want to apply for or renew your OWWA account, here’s a list of the requirements you need to prepare:
- Copy of a valid Philippine passport including the data page, signature, and photo
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of any relevant proof of present employment abroad such as Employment Contract, company ID, work permit, Certificate of Employment, Permit to Stay, or other related documents
- OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25 in NGN
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
When renewing your OWWA status, you need to pay a membership fee of US$25 or its equivalent in NGN based on the current foreign exchange rate. For this amount, you get a validity of two years regardless of your job site, recruitment agency, duration of contract, or change of employer. However, make sure to wait for the confirmation before you settle the payment via your preferred method.
It’s important to ask the Embassy in Abuja if they conduct renewal or registration during their Consular Outreach Mission so you can pay the fee on-site. This also applies if you want to process via the OWWA Regional office or DMW in the Philippines.
The following are the steps you need to follow when paying your membership fee via the Consular Outreach Mission:
Step 1: Contact the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria to schedule an OWWA appointment with them.
Step 2: Print the confirmed appointment that you received and bring it during your on-site application day.
Step 3: Go to the application site, then proceed to the OWWA window where you need to submit all the documentary requirements.
Step 4: Wait for the evaluation process in order to see if your application has been approved.
Step 5: Once confirmed, you can go to the payment counter and pay the contribution fee.
Step 6: Claim your official renewal receipt from the OWWA representative.
If you’re using the OWWA Mobile App to pay the fee, download the app on your mobile device. Complete the registration process and log in to your account using the login details sent to your email. Follow the instructions until you reach the payment method under the LandBank payment portal page. Don’t forget to claim your electronic receipt or take a photo of the transaction for future reference.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Nigeria Appointment Online
If you’re not sure about the OWWA appointment booking in Nigeria, you can reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Abuja to get the latest details. There’s no designated Migrant Workers Office in the country as well as an online appointment portal. However, you can check for any upcoming schedule for the Consular Outreach Mission that the Embassy might conduct near your area for on-site application.
Another way to verify whether you need to set an OWWA appointment is to contact the nearest MWO office in Rabat, Morocco. It may not have jurisdiction over Nigeria, but it can help you with labor-related concerns. Also, if you’re in the Philippines for your vacation, you may keep in touch with the OWWA Regional office or DMW nearby to get an appointment for the renewal process.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Nigeria
If you can’t find enough information about OWWA renewal on the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria’s official Facebook page and website, the best thing to do is contact the concerned office to know exactly what to do. OFWs can ask for the latest announcements regarding the Consular Outreach Mission to process their renewal on-site.
For a more convenient way to renew your account, the OWWA Mobile App allows OFWs to apply for and renew their membership online. You just need to scan your requirements and then submit them online. For the payment process, there are online payment methods to choose from including online bank transfers, over-the-counter payment centers, or e-wallets.
Video: OWWA Membership Online | Paano Mag Renew ng OWWA
In this video, you will get an easy guide on how to renew your OWWA membership online using the OWWA Mobile App. It explains what is membership and how you can maximize your benefits by being an active member. Always remember that you need to renew your account every two years to keep it effective.
Summary
With all this information, you are now equipped with the knowledge on how to process your OWWA application or renewal in Nigeria. You can choose your preferred procedure and payment method based on what’s more convenient for you. OFWs who are active OWWA members are entitled to claim a lot of benefits, programs, and services that can their living conditions, especially for their families back in the Philippines.