The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), originally named as Welfare and Training Fund for Overseas Workers, is a Philippine government body that offers member-exclusive protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in all stages of migration, as well as their families and dependents, provided that they keep their OWWA membership active.
Also Read: Guide to Verify Status of OWWA Membership Online
An active OWWA membership entails certain perks and benefits exclusively for the protection and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. These perks and benefits come in various forms, but most are specifically designed to fit the unique and specific needs that these Modern-Day Heroes have. If you are an OFW and you need assistance on the fastest and most convenient way of keeping your OWWA membership active, this guide will tell you all the tips, requirements, and process of renewing your OWWA membership online.
What is OWWA Renewal?
Renewal of membership or re-enrollment in OWWA is something that all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with expired or expiring OWWA membership should religiously comply with, provided that they are still employed at the time of enrollment.
With a US$25.00 membership contribution and an active employment contract, an OFW can keep his/her OWWA membership active. This means enjoying The benefits as OWWA tries to deliver on its mandate: To bring useful welfare services and ensure capital build-up and fund viability for OFWs. For the OFWs, it means having ready access to the benefits and protective services that the agency offers both in the job sites abroad and at home in the country.
Benefits of Renewing OWWA Membership
If you are an OFW, renewing your OWWA membership means keeping your OWWA member account active. In doing so, you can keep enjoying the OWWA member privileges which include the following benefits:
- Life insurance coverage
- Social benefits
- Psycho-social counseling and conciliation services,
- Outreach programs
- Legal assistance
- Training
- Financial assistance
- Educational assistance
Qualifications
You are eligible to renew your OWWA membership if you satisfy any of the following requirements:
- OFWs with active and valid overseas employment contracts that were processed at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), formerly POEA
- OFWs with valid work permit and visa
- OFWs who have acquired regular or permanent residency (PR) status in the foreign country of work, but have remained as Filipino citizens
- OFWs whose OWWA membership has expired but are still gainfully employed overseas
Requirements for OWWA Renewal
Here’s a list of requirements needed in order to renew your OWWA membership:
- OWWA OFW information sheet available on the agency’s website
- Scanned copy of the original passport personal information page
- Scanned copy of the Certificate of Oath and accompanying Identification page
- Proof of Employment
- Valid Employment Pass or Work Permit Card
- Active Employment Contract or POLO-Verified Employment Contract
- Latest Payslip
- Valid email address
- Membership Fee (US$25.00 or its equivalent in foreign currency, ranging from Php1,000.00 to Php1,500.00)
Procedures for OWWA Renewal Online
OWWA renewal can be done in different ways but the most convenient ways are available online, either via email or through the new OWWA Mobile App.
To learn more about the procedures for doing so, you may follow the steps listed below:
Online OWWA Renewal via the Website or via Email
- Print and complete the OWWA/OFW Information Sheet form available on the OWWA website
- Scan the completed OWWA/OFW Information Sheet.
- Attach a scanned copy of your documents, including your Philippine passport data page, residence or work permit, and proof of employment.
- If you are a dual citizen: Attach a copy of your Certificate of Oath and its accompanying Identification page.
- Go to the OWWA website for the country you’re based in and find the email address to which you must send in your requests.
- Once your requirements are assessed, you will receive an email with instructions, either about additional information or requirements (for those with incomplete or invalidated documents) or on how to proceed with the payment.
Note: You can’t make payments for the OWWA membership fee unless you receive the notification from OWWA.
- Pay the necessary fee using the available payment methods online;
Note: Your OWWA membership will be re-activated immediately after payment and will be valid for two years.
Online via the OWWA Mobile App
- Check that you have downloaded and installed the OWWA Mobile App on your phone from either the App Store or the Google Play Store.
- Tap the log-in icon in the OWWA Mobile App and enter your username or password.
- Once logged in, verify your OWWA Membership Status from the Information tab.
Note: Having an Inactive status means your OWWA membership is up for renewal and the app will give you options to do so.
- Tap the Renew Membership Here button to get started with the renewal process.
- Settle the US$25.00 Membership Renewal Fees via the available payment channels online, including MLhuillier, Landbank of the Philippines, Bancnet Member ATM account, and the OWWA App.
- Doing so will enable a new window with your registration information to pop up.
- Key in your employment position and your contract period
- Hit Submit.
- Once the system has accepted your payment for the OWWA membership fees, re-confirm your membership status by going back to the information tab to check your membership status.
- Confirm that your status has changed to Active. You can also check on the information about the validity of your membership on this page.
Important Reminders
Please be advised of the following reminders if you wish to renew your OWWA membership online:
- OFWs sending in their renewal request via email will be evaluated via video call or through their social media accounts.
- The OFWs who are requesting OWWA renewal via email will be provided with instructions on how to pay their OWWA membership dues (Php 1,000 to Php 1,500).
- The e-receipt will be sent to OFWs via their nominated email addresses.
- After three (3) months of membership, OWWA members are already entitled to participate in regular activities, services, and special programs facilitated by OWWA.
- The OWWA website does not come with a payment channel so you can pay the membership fees via third-party channels including MLhuillier, Landbank of the Philippines, Bancnet Member ATM account, or BCRemit App (for OFWs in the UK).
- For OFWs in the UK who are paying via BCRemit App: You will need to send the screenshot of payment to OWWA email and your Regional OWWA offices to get a scanned copy of your Official Receipt.
- Depending on the country where you are based, there may be a specific requirements and processes on how you can renew your OWWA membership so make sure to check the specific POLO-OWWA office website for the dedicated procedures.
Video: OWWA Renewal Online
For more information on how to renew your OWWA membership online via the OWWA Mobile App and making your payment online, you may find this video posted by Alvin Alvz on Youtube to be quite helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you need more information, feel free to go through these FAQs about the process of renewing your OWWA membership online:
1. Why should I renew my OWWA membership?
If you are an OFW, especially if you have family members depending on you for support, it is especially important for you to keep your OWWA membership active by renewing it every two years. Not only does it offer life insurance which will protect your family in case an accident occurs, but OWWA also offers many benefits through their various projects. There are regular programs especially designed to help OFWs and their dependents finish their school education and start livelihood projects. OFW members of OWWA may also avail of no-commitment cash assistance, repatriation assistance, OFW and seaman loans, welfare assistance, social benefits, disability claim, and death claim, among others. Some special projects are also continuously launched to support OFWs in times of crisis, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. What if I do not renew my OWWA membership?
Nothing. Though OWWA membership is mandatory for OFWs, there really isn’t any penalty or fine imposed in cases of non-renewal. OFWs who are no longer active members may also still avail of some selected OWWA benefits, but most of the programs will no longer be available as they are exclusive to active OWWA members.
3. How much does it cost to renew your OWWA membership?
Being an OWWA member, whether for the first time or via renewal, means having to pay the amount of US$25.00 or its equivalent in the currency of the host country every two years. In the Philippines, the membership fee varies from Php1,000.00-Php1,500.00, depending on the currency exchange rate.
4. May I still apply for OWWA membership even though I’m abroad and not in the Philippines?
Yes. If you are an OFW, you may renew your OWWA membership either on your own via the online channels—email or the mobile app—or by making visits, in person or via representatives, to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) (if you are in the Philippines) or the nearest POLO-OWWA offices (if you are abroad).
5. How can I renew my OWWA if I am abroad?
If you are based abroad and you want to personally renew your OWWA membership, you may visit the nearest POLO-OWWA office of the country where you are working. Just make sure you book an appointment online before visiting the POLO office as there are offices that require an appointment upon entry. Another option would be to go online and apply via email, by checking the concerned POLO-OWWA office’s website for the requirements. You may also apply for renewal online using your phone via the OWWA Mobile App.
6. How long does it take to be an OWWA member?
All it takes is the time required to complete the form, upload scanned copies of the documentary requirements, and pay the membership fees online before the OWWA Membership is activated for a period of two years.
7. Where can I make my OWWA payment?
You may either pay the third party channels if you apply online via the website or by sending an email. The third-party payment channels include MLhuillier, LandBank of the Philippines (LBP), Bancnet Member ATM accounts, and the BCRemit App. If you are applying for renewal via the OWWA Mobile App, you may process the payment via the apps payment channels which include GCash.
Summary
For OFWs, becoming an OWWA member is not very difficult to do. There are several ways to renew your two-year OWWA membership which costs only US$25.00. Doing so entitles “documented” or “legal” OFWs to numerous benefits and privileges offered by the agency. These privileges are offered in the form of programs, assistance, and services that are particularly helpful in times of need.
Since no one can tell what the future holds, it’s best to keep all your support systems open at all times. If you are an OFW, k3ping your OWWA membership active is a good way of doing so as it offers a cheap way of protecting your income, as a low-cost insurance, and your dependents, as a protective government agency with numerous programs and assistive services. After all, it doesn’t take much to do so. The renewal/membership fee is very minimal and priced at only US$25.00 for every 2 years. The process is also conveniently available as there are the online method or the mobile app, on top of the existing procedures, to keep your OWWA membership alive.
So, don’t hesitate about keeping your status as a certified OWWA member. Renew your membership and stay safe and protected under the government’s care.
Contact Information
For any additional questions, you may contact OWWA at:
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24
OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)
OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph
OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
OWWA 24/7 Operations Center
Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992
Globe Hotline: 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)
Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992
Facsimile: +63-2-8040638
Email address: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com