Active OWWA members should renew their membership every two years to ensure they are eligible to claim benefits and assistance programs provided by the Philippine government. No matter where you are working abroad, you need to consider getting this kind of life insurance to protect yourself and your family from unexpected events. If you haven’t applied for an OWWA account yet, make sure to make a schedule for it as soon as possible.
For Overseas Filipino Workers in Venezuela who obtained a job either by an agency or visit visa, they are both qualified to apply for membership. If you have an account already, it’s important to know how to process your renewal. The first thing you need to do is check the requirements you need to submit and the concerned office where you should proceed for the on-site application. But you can also explore how to use the OWWA Mobile App for online processing.
Requirements for OWWA in Venezuela
There are a few important documents that you need to prepare before you renew your OWWA status in Venezuela. For example, you need to submit proof of current work overseas in order to verify your employment. Keep in mind that some OWWA offices ask for additional requirements so make sure to contact the concerned office for details.
If your OWWA membership is already expired or you want to apply for the first time, the following are the requirements that OFWs in Venezuela need to provide:
- Original copy and photocopy of a valid Philippine passport with the data page, signature, and photo
- Copy of the Letter of Certification issued by the company or employer to verify they are not terminated, canceled, resigned, or due for termination
- Photocopy of proof of active employment such as employment offer, Certificate of Employment, company ID, latest payslip, work permit, valid visa, or any relevant proof of present employment abroad
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- OWWA membership payment equivalent to US$25 in Venezuelan Bolivar
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The fee for OWWA registration or renewal is the equivalent of US$25 in Venezuelan Bolivar based on the current foreign exchange rate. Regardless of the OFW’s host country, length of contract, recruitment agency, or change of employer, all active members will enjoy two years of validity wherein they can claim benefits and other services exclusive to Filipino migrant workers with active membership.
Once your requirements are evaluated, you can proceed to the payment process depending on the procedure you have chosen. As mentioned, you can process your renewal via email to MWO Washington. Here are the simple steps you need to do:
Step 1: Download the OFW Information Sheet and fill it out with accurate details.
Step 2: Prepare all the requirements and scan them.
Step 3: Send the scanned documents via email to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
Step 4: For approved applications, an email notification will be sent containing the payment instructions.
Step 5: Save a copy of the payment receipt as you need to send it to MWO Washington’s email address to get your electronic copy of the renewal receipt.
Step 6: To claim the original receipt, you can email them again to get an appointment when you need to pick it up.
It’s pretty much the same via the regular mail process. It’s just that you need to include a prepaid, stamped return envelope with your home address.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Venezuela Appointment
When processing OWWA renewal in Venezuela, it’s important to no that there’s no designated Migrant Workers Office in the country as well as an appointment system. Therefore, you really need to make an effort to contact concerned agencies or offices to help with your application. For instance, you can inquire with the Philippine Embassy in Brazil or the Philippine Consulate General office in Suriname and Georgetown to get information.
Moreover, you can also apply through the Consular Outreach Mission the Philippine Embassy in Brazil will conduct near your area. It may require an appointment so you need to confirm that to them before you attend the outreach mission. They also handle other labor-related concerns and services for OFWs in Venezuela. Other offices you can contact include the MWO offices in Washington and Los Angeles.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Venezuela
With the membership renewal process for OFWs in Venezuela remains far from crystal clear, the best thing you could do is opt for the email or regular mail processing via the MWO office in Washington. However, you may still need to inquire regarding the process to know if it still applies to members in Venezuela. Better be sure or else you are going to waste your time and effort.
Now the most convenient part is that you can use the OWWA Mobile App to renew your OWWA account. You don’t need to leave the house or endure long queues just to process your renewal. All you need to to id download the mobile app and register your account. Once you are signed in, you can attach all the requirements and pay the membership fee through online payment methods. Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the whole process without breaking a sweat.
Video: OWWA Membership Renewal 2022
In this video tutorial, you will learn how to renew your OWWA membership using the mobile app. The creator also shares some OFW tips to help you navigate the process easily.
Summary
With all the information shared above, you must now be able to process your OWWA membership in Venezuela. Always keep in mind to ask the concerned office before you book an appointment, go to the Consular Outreach Mission, or visit any MWO office or the Philippine Embassy to renew your account. Some offices require an appointment and additional requirements, while some don’t. So do yourself a favor and make sure you’re not wasting your time with incomplete requirements.