Overseas Filipino Workers should maximize their benefits to enjoy more opportunities and build a better future for their families. If you’re an OFW in Russia, it’s important to become an active OWWA member to claim government services including legal and financial assistance during a crisis. In addition, you can also get coverage for medical, calamity, death, and burial from your OWWA membership.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration aims to protect OFWs from any labor-related maltreatment at their job site and financial crisis due to political wars and other unforeseen events. With an active membership, you can access many different programs, assistance, and services to help you get ahead in life. But before that, you need to accomplish the requirements to process your OWWA renewal in Russia.
Requirements for OWWA in Russia
While there are different OWWA offices across the globe, the main requirements for membership renewal are the same. You need to show proof of active employment abroad in order to apply for or renew your OWWA account. In addition, you also need to pay the contribution fee once you have completed all the required documents.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Russia’s Facebook post, applicants must secure the following requirements to become an active OWWA member:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Copy of a valid Philippine passport with a data page
- Copy of proof of active employment such as Employment Contract, residence or work permit, payslip, company ID, bank account salary entries, Philippine insurance application with the signature of the employer, or any related document that proves employment
- Payment for the OWWA contribution fee equivalent to US$25
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The renewal fee for OWWA membership is the equivalent of US$25 to RUB according to the current foreign exchange rate. Regardless of your recruitment agency, job location, length of employment contract, and change of employer, the validity for each paid contribution is two years. It is best to renew your account at least three months before the expiration date in order to avoid the rush and continue your benefits.
Since OFWs can apply using different methods, they can also pay the fee through different platforms. Depending on your application procedure, the payment process can be done through email with these steps below:
Step 1: Get all the required documents and scan them.
Step 2: Send the scanned documents to this email: owwamemb@gmail.com.
Step 3: A confirmation email will be sent to you if your request has been approved by MWO Berlin.
Step 4: With the request approval, you can proceed to the payment process by sending the amount to the Embassy of the Philippines-OWWA, DEUTSCHE BANK AG, UNTER DEN LINDEN 13/15, 10117 Berlin, DEUTDEBB101 (BIC), DE61 1007 0100 0310 9808 00 (IBAN).
Step 5: Send a copy of the bank transfer to MWO Berlin to get your official receipt.
If you opt for the OWWA Online Membership Registration portal, here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Go to https://membership.owwa.gov.ph and complete all the required details including your personal details, employment information, and qualified beneficiaries.
Step 2: Upload copies of your Philippine passport and Employment Contract.
Step 3: Double-check the information and click on the Submit Application button.
Step 4: Wait for the confirmation which includes your transaction number and then pay the fee using the instructions provided in the email.
You may also use the OWWA Mobile App to pay the membership fee online. For OFWs who want to settle the payment on-site, they can opt for the Consular Outreach Mission or DMW while in the Philippines.
Procedure for Getting an OWWA Russia Appointment Online
Currently, there’s no online appointment system offered in Russia since they don’t have a designated MWO office in the country. However, Russia is under the jurisdiction of MWO Berlin so they are the one that provides labor-related services to OFWs in the area. The OWWA and MWO Berlin, on the other hand, conduct Consular Outreach Mission services in Moscow from time to time which requires OFWs to book an appointment.
Applicants are advised to reach out to the concerned office to get the latest updates regarding appointment booking for any upcoming consular mission in Moscow and other areas in Russia. You can also get an appointment at your local DMW branch to renew your membership while vacationing in the Philippines.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Moscow, Russia
There are different ways for OFWs to apply or renew their OWWA account according to the official Facebook page and website of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow. For those who find it hard to apply online, the Philippine Embassy in Russia advises applicants to process their application via email. Another way to renew your status is through the OWWA Online Membership Registration portal.
It’s important to contact the Embassy and MWO Berlin office regarding the current guidelines in OWWA renewal to know exactly what you need to do. However the most convenient procedure for those who can’t apply on-site or via email is through the OWWA Mobile App. Just download the app on your mobile device follow the instructions to renew your account and pay the fee online.
Video: Paano Mag-renew ng OWWA Membership Using OWWA Mobile App
In this video, you can find all the information you need to renew your OWWA account using the mobile app. This video tutorial includes all the steps you need to do and the requirements you need to complete to process your renewal or application online.
Summary
It’s easy to process your OWWA membership in Moscow, Russia if you have knowledge of the actual procedure. Make sure to prepare all the documentary requirements in order to get your application approved by the concerned office. Also, don’t forget to claim your official receipt in case you need it in the future.