If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker in Syria and are currently looking to renew your OWWA membership, you can reach out to the Migrant Workers Office in Damascus to see what you need to do. The MWO-Damascus office is also located at the Philippine Embassy so OFWs can conveniently process their government contributions and requirements in the same building.
Since there’s no OWWA Labor Attache in Syria, the Philippine Embassy handles OWWA services including inquiries and renewals. The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Syrian Arab Republic were established in 1946. Generally, it is mandated to protect and promote the rights and interests of Filipino migrant workers in the country according to Syrian and Philippine labor laws.
Requirements for OWWA in Syria
To renew your OWWA account, you need to submit a list of requirements including proof of active employment. Once you have completed them, you can proceed to the payment process and get your membership renewed for another two years. Active OWWA members are eligible for benefits and programs including welfare benefits that are essential during crisis.
The following are the renewal requirements you need to submit when renewing your OWWA account in Syria:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form
- Copy of a valid passport or ID card of the employer
- Copy of a valid employment contract, Certificate of Employment, or any proof of current employment
- Copy of valid Philippine passport including the data page, name, photo, and signature
- Payment for the contribution fee which is the equivalent of the current foreign exchange rate of US$ 25
You can send an email to the OWWA office in Damascus to check the exact documents you need to submit to process your renewal. Make sure all the requirements are accurate and free of errors because they are subject to verification and may be returned if there are issues to be addressed.
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA fee for renewal is the equivalent of US$ 25 based on the current foreign exchange rate. Each payment gives you two years of validity regardless of the duration of your employment contract, recruitment agency, job location, and change of employer. You need to secure all the requirements before you can settle the OWWA fee for the application or renewal.
When you’re ready to submit all the documentary requirements, the OWWA representative will verify them and make sure there are no issues or inaccuracies. Keep in mind that any incomplete documents will not be processed. Also, you can only proceed to the payment counter once your requirements have been verified and confirmed.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Syria Appointment Online
Since the pandemic, OWWA offices across the globe have implemented an appointment-only policy. But now that we are back to normal, it’s important to get in touch with the MWO office in Damascus to know whether you still need to schedule your visit for OWWA renewal. Below are the steps in getting an appointment before you go to the office to renew your account:
Step 1: Check your OWWA status by contacting the OWWA office through their numbers: (0096311) 6132626, (0096311) 6125138, or (96394) 9155557 (ATN).
Step 2: Book an appointment in order to settle the renewal fee.
Step 3: Prior to your scheduled visit to the MWO in Damascus, make sure to confirm the time or date of your appointment.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Damascus, Syria
If you’re planning to apply for or renew your OWWA account in Syria, there are some important documents you need to complete and qualifications to meet. For instance, you will need to present proof of current employment at your job site in order to process your renewal. Don’t worry because it’s easy to update your status in Damascus, all you need to do is follow the steps that will be provided here.
Once you have a confirmed appointment to visit the OWWA office at the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, here are the steps you need to follow in order to renew your OWWA account:
Step 1: Bring all the required documents during your appointment and present them at the OWWA window.
Step 2: Pay the OWWA contribution and other necessary fees at the payment counter.
Step 3: Wait for your renewal receipt to be released.
When visiting the OWWA office, wear something appropriate since you will deal with government employees at the Philippine Embassy. Also, secure an appointment before you visit so that it will be a smooth experience throughout the process. If you have questions or other concerns, you can email them at damascus@gmail.com, syria@owwa.gov.ph, owwa_syria@yahoo.com, or owwa.damascus@gmail.com for more details.
Video: Renew of the Passport and OWWA Membership
In this video, you will find the answers to how you can renew your Philippine passport as well as your OWWA membership. It provides all the information you need to process your renewal while getting some helpful tips to make the entire experience easier and more convenient for OFWs. You will also see who can qualify to renew their account based on the OWWA guidelines.
Summary
So this is all you need to know when renewing your OWWA membership in Damascus, Syria. Make sure you have all the requirements because incomplete documents will not be accepted for processing. Also, it’s important to consider getting an appointment before you go to the OWWA office so that you can renew your account without any hassle.
If you want to check the latest updates, you can follow the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Syria as well as its website for more information. Note that new OWWA members will be eligible to claim the benefits and programs after three months of applying for membership. The MWO office in Damascus is open every Sunday to Thursday, from 8 AM to 5 PM except during Lebanese and Philippine holidays.
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