In the heart of Europe, Poland has become a second home for many Overseas Filipino Workers seeking opportunities and a brighter future. As you navigate the challenges and triumphs of working abroad, renewing your OWWA membership is an important step to ensure you have a solid support system during trying times. So make sure to consider applying for membership and renewing it every two years to claim all the benefits that you deserve.
Active members can access different services, programs, projects, and assistance for two years unless they renew their membership. If you need legal assistance, renewing your account is also important to get the support you need from the government. Furthermore, there are a few requirements that you need to complete before you can enjoy all these benefits.
Requirements for OWWA in Poland
The main requirement when applying for or renewing your OWWA in Poland is proof of active employment. You need to present your work permit, employment contract, and other relevant documents to prove you are actively working abroad. Once you have secured all the required documents, you will get a confirmation to proceed to the payment process.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, the following are the documentary requirements you need to submit to apply for or renew your OWWA account through the On-site Membership Program:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of Philippine passport with data page
- Copy of the current Employment Contract, latest payslip, company ID, work permit, bank account entries for salary, Philippine insurance application with the signature of the employer, or other documents that prove active employment
- Payment for the contribution fee
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
Understanding the financial aspect of OWWA application and renewal is important. The renewal fee may increase or decrease depending on the current foreign exchange rate of US$25. Each contribution has a validity of two years regardless of the length of your employment contract, job site, recruitment agency, and change of employer.
The payment process depends on the processing method you choose such as the OSMP or the online application. Here are the steps when paying via the OWWA Online Membership Registration:
Step 1: Log onto the OWWA Membership Payment Registration Portal through this link: https://membership.owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: Complete the required information such as personal details, legal beneficiaries, and employment details.
Step 3: Upload your Philippine passport and proof of employment.
Step 4: Check the details before clicking on the Submit Application button.
Step 5: Wait until you receive the email confirmation which contains your transaction number and instructions on how to settle the membership fee.
Remember that the online registration portal only allows OFWs under the OWWA Berlin jurisdiction. If you’re currently in Poland, you are advised to use other procedure to renew your OWWA account.
For OFWs who are choosing the On-site Membership Program, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Prepare all the requirements and scan them.
Step 2: Write an email explaining your intent to apply or renew your OWWA account.
Step 3: Attach the requirements and send the email to polo_warsaw@dole.gov.ph.
Step 4: Wait for the evaluation of your documentary requirements.
Step 5: Once your request is approved, you will get the payment instructions for the renewal fee.
Procedure for Getting an OWWA Poland Appointment Online
To streamline the process, OWWA offices often facilitate online appointment scheduling to save time and ensure a systematic approach to managing renewals. However, there’s no MWO office in Poland so there is also no online appointment system available for OFWs. The Philippine Embassy advised applicants to renew or apply for membership online
On the other hand, they also encourage Filipino migrant workers in Poland to process their application or renewal via the OSMP in the MWO office in Prague. It’s important to reach out to the concerned office, either with MWO Prague or the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw, to get the exact information regarding OWWA renewal.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Warsaw, Poland
The OWWA in Berlin announced via Facebook that Poland is not under their jurisdiction anymore so all welfare and labor-related services in the country are now processed by the Embassy in Prague. OFWs must contact the MWO and the Philippine Embassy in Prague for their OWWA renewal. If you have questions regarding the OWWA application in Poland, you can send an email to polo_warsaw@dole.gov.ph.
Moreover, you may also choose to apply or renew at the nearest Department of Migrant Workers office in your hometown if you’re planning to take a vacation in the Philippines. But if you really want convenience when processing your renewal, you can take advantage of the OWWA Mobile App. Just download the app on your mobile device and renew your account anytime and anywhere.
The following are the steps in renewing OWWA via the mobile application:
Step 1: Register using your email where you will receive the temporary login information.
Step 2: Enter your email and temporary password to log in to the app.
Step 3: Click Information and see if your membership is still active or not.
Step 4: If it’s inactive, select Renew Membership Here and click to accept the Terms of Service.
Step 5: Under the LandBank payment section, tap on the Payment Options button and select your payment method.
Step 6: Save your Reference Number and then follow the instructions to settle the OWWA fee.
Step 7: Save the electronic receipt.
Video: Step By Step Guide for OWWA Membership Renewal in the OWWA App Using GCash
In this video, you will see how you can renew your OWWA online via the mobile app and use GCash to process the payment.
Summary
Renewing your OWWA account in Poland is a proactive step to ensure you remain eligible to claim benefits and assistance programs for OFWs and qualified dependents. Stay informed about the latest updates on the renewal process and plan it well in advance to avoid any hassle. By following this comprehensive guide, you empower yourself to make the most out of your overseas experience in Poland.