Overseas Filipino Workers looking to apply for or renew their OWWA membership in Taiwan should visit the Manila Economic and Cultural Office or MECO Labor Center. But before anything, you need to secure an OWWA appointment before processing your account in order to get accommodated. During your scheduled visit, you will need to personally appear and pay the fees to activate your status.
The MECO Labor Center is a representative office attached to the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration, the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration, and the Department of Labor and Employment. Since the pandemic, the office requires clients to get an appointment online prior to their visit so that their requirements will be processed accordingly.
Requirements for OWWA in Taipei
To renew your OWWA account, you need to secure some important documents before going to the MECO-Taipei office. Here are the requirements you need to complete:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Photocopy of valid passport with name, signature, and photo
- Certificate of Employment or Employment Contract with English translation and translator’s name and signature
- Copy of Alien Registration Card
- Payment for the contribution or OWWA renewal fee
Remember that any application with incomplete documents and other requirements will not be processed at the OWWA office. If you have questions or other concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MECO Labor Center office via their social media account or official website.
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The contribution for OWWA renewal in Taipei, Taiwan is NT$ 758 or can be less based on the US$ 25 monthly average equivalent rate. Each contribution is good for two years validity irrespective of employment location, recruitment agency, change of employer, or contract length. You will be asked to show proof of active employment when renewing your OWWA.
When paying for the fees, you first need to comply with all the requirements needed and then go to the payment counter to pay the contribution amount. Once you are paid, you automatically become an active member with the privilege of enjoying all the OWWA benefits, services, and programs. Some special projects of the OWWA are only exclusive to OFWs with active membership.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Taipei Appointment Online
Scheduling an appointment can easily be done online, but you need to personally appear during your planned visit at the MECO Labor Center in Taipei. Here’s how you can get an OWWA appointment using your mobile device:
Step 1: Log onto https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SundayAppointment@meco.org.tw/bookings/ to proceed to the booking web page.
Step 2: Go to Services and select Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Step 3: Select the time and date for your OWWA appointment.
Step 4: Provide your full name, address, contact number, and email address.
Step 5: Complete the additional information including your passport number, Taiwan ID number, ARC number, and full name,
Step 6: Review all the details you provided and then click on the Book button.
Step 7: Make sure to print your copy of the confirmed appointment and check all the required documents to avoid any hassle during the processing of your renewal at the OWWA office in Taipei.
For further assistance, you may contact the MECO-Taipei office via their email address at evelyn_owwataipei@yahoo.com or contact them at 02-2658-8299 / 09265 228878 / 0900218895. Remember that walk-ins are not accepted in the office so make sure to secure an appointment before visiting the office. Other offices that Taiwan-based OFWs can visit include the MECO-Kaoshiung and MECO-Taichung branches.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Taipei, Taiwan
Perhaps, you’re still hesitant to renew your account because of a busy schedule. If you are not yet an active member or want to renew your account, now is the perfect time to visit the OWWA office near you. There are plenty of benefits that await you when you activate your OWWA status. For instance, you will be covered during emergency medical bills in the Philippines or abroad.
Once your appointment has been confirmed, you can renew your account by visiting the MECO-Taipei office on the said time and date. To help you process your renewal, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Make sure to bring a copy of your confirmed appointment and present it to the security officer at the gate.
Step 2: Proceed to the OWWA window and submit all your requirements for the verification process.
Step 3: Settle the OWWA fees and other additional costs that you may need to pay.
Step 4: Don’t forget to get your official receipt and keep it for future reference. Now, you are an official OWWA member with two years of validity.
Video: Requirements of OWWA Membership Renewal- 2023
In this video, you will see how to renew your OWWA account in Taipei, Taiwan based on actual experiences. It also includes a list of all the requirements that you need to submit when processing your OWWA at the MECO Labor Center office. This vlog will give you updates and other helpful tips to expedite the entire process for you so make sure to watch until the end.
Summary
So, now you’re ready to process your OWWA membership renewal in Taipei, Taiwan with this step-by-step guide. The beauty of becoming an active member is that you get the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of OWWA offered to OFWs such as financial grants and scholarships. You are covered for two years by paying a minimum fee until you need to renew again.
It’s important for OFWs to get an OWWA account in order to protect themselves and their beneficiaries from any unexpected events such as calamities and political wars. Life abroad can be hard if you don’t get insured today. Let the Philippine government help you during a crisis by becoming an active OWWA member.