OWWA Online - Page 33 - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

How to Get OEC Exemption BM Online for OFWs

Returning OFWs should be able to spend most, if not all of their limited time with their families instead of having to go to the trouble of securing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) which can take an entire day. If you’re in this situation, you should know that you can get a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) OEC exemption and you can do it online, too.

If you are a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) worker and you meet the qualification for OEC exemption, then you can simply get an OEC exemption via the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) instead of the old Balik-Manggagawa Online System (which was discontinued since June 2021). You can learn how to do just that by following this guide.

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Getting an OEC Exemption via the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM)

Availing of the OEC exemption for OFWs via the the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) is a really simple process, especially if you meet the qualifying criteria to do so.

While it doesn’t take much to actually secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), it still saves you time and money to get an OEC exemption. It also means you do not need to pay the OEC processing fees and that the processing of your OFW documents at the airport will be so much faster.

Who Can Get OEC Exemption

Only Balik-Manggagawa (BM) or returning workers who meet all of the following requirements can get an OEC exemption:

Has a valid work visa/work permit
Returning to the same employer and job site
Has a record in the POEA/DMW database
Has been issued an OEC before (either at POEA offices/centers, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mall processing centers)
OFWs hired through the Government Placement Branch (GPB) are also qualified to get OEC exemption if they fall under the above categories.

If you don’t satisfy the qualification requirements, it means you are not qualified to get an OEC exemption. In cases like this, you need to set up an online appointment for OEC processing instead

How To Get an OEC Exemption Through the POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM)

If you already have a POEA or DMW e-Registration account and your old Balik-Manggagawa (BM) records are already transferred to the new POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) site, then you can get your OEC Exemption through the POPS-BaM site by following these steps:

Step 1. Visit the DMW e-Registration site here – https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx

Step 2. Click Let’s Go.

Step 3. Enter your email address and click Next.

Step 4. Enter your password and click Login.

email address for dmw eregistration oec exemption

Step 5. Once logged in, go to the Balik-Manggagawa module and update your profile before applying for an OEC exemption.

To do so,

Click My Profile on the left side of the screen.
Key in all the necessary information.
Upload your valid IDs and passport to complete the Identification portion.
Enter at least one beneficiary to complete the My Family portion.

Step 6. Once you have updated your profile, click Next.

Step 7. Enter your flight schedule then click Next.

Step 8. Review your records (including your employer, job site, and position) and your existing Contract Details.

Step 9. Answer the following questions:

Are you returning to this employer?
Are you returning to this job site?

Step 10. After responding “YES” to both questions, your details will be automatically transmitted to the Bureau of Immigration and you can already get the soft copy and print your OEC Exemption with your BM Exemption Number.

Important Tips and Reminders

When applying for an OEC exemption online, here are some things you need to remember:

Each person must have only one DMW e-Registration account as multiple accounts can be a ground for disqualification of POEA/DMW online services.
You need to confirm that you’re a Returning OFW with the same employer, same job site, and same position otherwise, you cannot proceed with the process of applying for OEC exemption.
You need to get your OEC exemption number less than 60 days before your departure date as it is only valid for a single exit within 60 days, just like regular OEC.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
You also need a valid work visa or work permit with the details of your employment including your employer and job site.
If your work visa doesn’t have your employer’s name, you may present any of the following instead (as long as it states your employer’s name):
- For company-hired: Valid employment contract, current employment certificate, valid employment/company ID, or latest/most recent payslip
- For domestic workers: Valid POLO Verified Employment Contract
There’s no need to print the BM Exemption Number as it is electronically transmitted to the Bureau of Immigration.
You will need to log in to the POPS-BaM System every time you return to the Philippines to avail of the OEC exemption.
POPS-BaM users are advised to upload a current profile photo for the Bureau of Immigration’s use in identity inspections and departure procedures.
There is no need to visit any POEA/DMW or POLO office if you are eligible for OEC exemption.

Video: How to Apply for OEC Exemption via POPS-BaM

Watch this video uploaded by Servant Explorers on Youtube for a quick guide on how to apply for an OEC exemption via the new POPS-BaM system:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some frequently asked questions regarding the application for OEC exemption through POPS-BaM online:

1. I can’t log in to BM Online or POPS-BaM because I’ve forgotten my email address and password. What should I do?

If you are a BM online or a POPS-BaM account holder, but you have forgotten either your email address or your password, then you will need to contact the System Administrator through the following:

By phone: 02-7219496 / 02-7277778 / 02-7210785 / 09173257397
You can also send your concerns through POEA Help Desk and the POEA support should contact you for the next steps.

2. I am returning to the same employer and job site and have previous acquired an OEC, but the POPS-BaM system keeps redirecting me to the Appointment page. What’s wrong?

If you are trying to get an OEC exemption but you keep getting automatically redirected to the Appointment page, then you’re not exempted from securing an OEC in the first place. Note that this can happen even though you were issued an OEC previously and are returning to the same employer and job site, especially if you registered via the BM online system and your details were “migrated” or matched with the new POPS-BaM system.

3. Who are not eligible for OEC exemption?

You’re not exempted from getting an OEC and are therefore required to secure an appointment if you’re one of the following:

BM workers returning to a different employer and/or job site
Watchlisted worker and/or OFW with a watchlisted employer
OFWs returning to a restricted or non-compliant country
Workers without POEA records (No record found / Discrepancy in any record)
Undocumented workers (i.e., Tourist to OFW, Dependent to OFW, Student to OFW, etc.)
Sea-based workers who changed their position into becoming a land-based worker

4. POPS-BaM link to online application for OEC exemption is not working. What should I do?

If the POPS-BaM is inaccessible, then the site might be down or under maintenance. You may try to access it after a few minutes or until it becomes accessible again.

5. The BM online site I used to apply for an OEC exemption is not working. What should I do?

The BM online site has been discontinued as of June 2021. Having said that, OEC exemption applications can only be done online through the new POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa (POPS-BaM) system.

6. There’s an error in my POPS-BaM E-registration. What should I do?

If you are registering for a new account at POPS-BaM and you keep encountering an error, you need to remember that you must not create a new account. Instead, file a concern ticket in the POEA Help Desk. The same applies when you incorrectly entered the wrong details during your e-Registration.

7. I manually matched my records from the old BM online system to the POPS-BaM site, but they are still not synced/transferred. How can I apply for an OEC Exemption?

You will need to request a ticket via the DMW Help Desk so that your previous BM online records can be “matched” to the POPS-BaM system and get your OEC exemption. Once you submit your concern ticket, you’ll get your Help Desk Ticket number, which you can use to inquire about updates regarding your request.

Summary

Getting an OEC exemption, especially if you are a returning OFW is meant to help you save time and money so you can send it for your family instead. It’s not for everyone, but if you meet the qualifying criteria and are eligible for an OEC exemption, we suggest taking advantage of it since the application is also easy enough and can be done online.

List of OWWA Financial Cash Assistance Programs

When it comes to programs that offer financial assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the prime agency that comes to mind, thanks to the numerous programs that it has established towards the same end goal since it launched in the late 1970s. These OWWA programs were all created for the same purpose: to help and support the OFWs worldwide as well as their families, in various times of need.

In this article, we listed all the financial assistance programs made available to OWWA members throughout all migration stages. So, if you are an OWWA member OFW or a beneficiary of one, regardless if you are in the pre-departure to overseas deployment, and reintegration stage, there is an OWWA financial assistance program waiting to support you.

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What are the OWWA Cash Assistance Programs?

There are many financial assistance programs offered by OWWA to both OFWs and seafarers in these challenging times. It is good to keep in mind that these programs are cash aids and not loan projects that you need to pay back, which is all the more reason for you to make sure to keep your OWWA membership active.

Here’s a list of OWWA cash assistance programs available for you to take advantage of if you are a land-based OFW or a seaman:

1. Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) Program

The Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) Program is a livelihood support assistance project offered by OWWA to help distressed or displaced member OFWs, regardless of membership status. The initiative was meant to help them start a small business through cash assistance ranging from ₱20,000.00 (for active members) to ₱10,000.00 (for inactive members with more than one (1) contribution), and ₱5,000.00 (for inactive OWWA members who only had one (1) contribution). The program also offers Enhanced Entrepreneurship Development Training (EEDT) as well as other services related to starting or managing a business project including marketing linkages and job referrals.

2. Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program

The Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program is an OWWA-initiated program specifically designed to provide Filipino women, particularly the domestic helpers abroad who have been abused or those who did not get their salaries or finish their contracts, with a one-time livelihood assistance grant amounting to ₱10,000.00, along with starter kits and livelihood skills training so they can establish their own businesses back home. With this, OWWA hopes to empower the returning female OFWs while helping them improve their socio-economic well-being and either reduce or totally remove their vulnerabilities as they reintegrate into the society. The ₱10,000.00 grant is broken down into two: with ₱2,500.00 for the training cost, honoraria, supplies, materials,and a demo kit, and the remaining ₱7,500.00 for the starter kit which includes equipment, tools and jigs, raw materials, and small start-up capital.

3. Calamity Assistance

OWWA offers calamity assistance to OFWs and their eligible dependents as a special benefit under the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP). This allows them to avail of a one-time cash assistance ranging from ₱1,000.00 to ₱3,000.00 to help supplement their income in the event that a State of Calamity is declared by either the Local Government Unit (LGU) or the Office of the President due to natural or human-induced calamities or disasters.

4. Death and Burial Benefits

As part of the OWWA Social Benefits Program, the agency allows active OWWA member OFWs and their beneficiaries may receive cash assistance amounting to up to one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) for natural deaths and up to two hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000.00) for accidental deaths. On top of these, they also get a one-time funeral grant amounting to twenty thousand pesos (₱20,000.00) to help them bury their loved ones properly. This financial assistance also applies to COVID-19 deaths.

5. Disability Benefits

OWWA also offers support to its members in the form of Disability and Dismemberment benefits via the OWWA Social Benefits Program. Under the program, OFWs who sustained injuries resulting in limited ability to do things (disability) or loss of body use, parts, or function (dismemberment) at work or due to an accident may enjoy cash assistance amounting to up to fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) for partial disability and a maximum of one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) in cash in the event of total permanent disability. This is meant to help tide them over after the abrupt loss of income due to disability or dismemberment while they get treated and through their recovery.

6. DOLE-AKAP Program

The DOLE-OWWA AKAP for OFWs (DOLE-AKAP) program introduced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offers a one-time no-commitment cash assistance amounting to ₱10,000.00 or US$200.00 to OFWs who have lost their jobs or have not received their wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was meant to support the advocacy of the Bayanihan to Heal as One-Act and provide “ayuda (help)” to all eligible land-based and sea-based OFWs. Unlike the other OWWA programs, the DOLE-AKAP program is not funded by the government or the OWWA Fund. Instead, all the other administrative expenses for the implementation of the program will be funded using the budget allocated for the DOLE COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-CAMP) with a total fund amounting to ₱1.5 billion pesos.

7. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is yet another scholarship project offered by OWWA to college-age OFW dependents with high academic standing and good scholastic records. It offers educational assistance amounting to ₱30,000.00 to up to ₱60,000.00 per school year for a four- or five-year baccalaureate course in any of their preferred CHED-accredited school or institution, regardless of the OFW’s OWWA membership status.

8. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

The OWWA Educational and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) is a program designed to help the family of a deceased OFW by providing either one of two types of financial assistance: educational assistance to school-age dependents amounting to ₱5,000.00 (for elementary school students, ₱8,000.00 (for high school students), or ₱10,000.00 (for college students); or livelihood grant worth ₱15,000.00 to the surviving parents or spouses of the deceased OFW.

9. Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) Program

As the name suggests, this is OWWA Mariner’s “dugtong” Aral (bridging) program is exclusively designed for Filipinos with a bachelor’s degree in either Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) to become a qualified Marine Officer on ocean-going vessels in the future. It comes in the form of a monetary grant amounting to not more than ₱38,120.00 to pay for tuition fees, along with three (3) months worth of stipend package amounting to ₱15,000.00.

10. OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)

The OWWA OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) is specifically designed to help the qualified dependents of OFWs whose salary is not more than US$600.00 a month to complete their tertiary education at their preferred state university or college (SUC). It comes in the form of educational assistance amounting to a maximum of ₱20,000 per academic year to pay for their tuition fees for any four-year or five-year degree program or any associate course. Through this program, students can finish an associate or baccalaureate degree for a better, brighter work option in the future.

11. Project EASE Scholarship

Project EASE or OWWA Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies is basically an educational assistance offered by the agency to qualified college-level dependents of distressed, displaced, or laid off OFWs as art of the component of the CARE amelioration program package for COVID-19 pandemic. As the name suggests, the program offers ₱10,000.00 cash grant per annum for a maximum of four (4) years for one college-level OFW dependent in the family to ease the difficulties of the affected migrant workers who are sending their young ones to school.

12. Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)

The OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program is basically a scholarship grant exclusively designed to develop and “upgrade” the skills of Filipino seafarers. The program aims to help develop and “upgrade” the skills and proficiency in the various technicalities and specialties consistent with the current international maritime standards of active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarers. It consists of training assistance ranging from ₱1,200.00 to ₱7,500.00 per training course during the first availment at any TESDA, MARINA, or other relevant government agency. It will be available again after the seafarer’s three (3) recorded memberships with OWWA.

13. Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

As the name suggests, the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) offers educational training assistance for OFWs or their dependents under the OWWA Short-term Training Programs for OFWs and Dependents program. The scholarship is given in the form of a financial grant amounting to as much as ₱14,500.00 per course leading to completion of one- to two-year technical-vocational training in any school accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), MARINA, and other government training institutions. It also offers Php ₱7,250.00 of financial assistance to be issued directly to the training institution should they opt to go for a six-month vocational course instead. These benefits are offered by the agency in the hopes of enhancing the technical and vocational skills of OFWs and their dependents.

14. Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus) Program

Known as the Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs, this MEDPLUS program offers supplemental medical relief to OFWs who are afflicted with dreaded diseases. It applies to active members of both OWWA and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and is meant to provide a one-time medical or financial assistance based on PhilHealth’s case rate system. Through MEDplus, OWWA member OFWs can receive cash assistance of up to fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000.00) per member to help pay for hospital or medical bills for the treatment of dreaded diseases like heart attack, chronic coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, kidney failure, and major organ transplant.

15. Tabang OFW Scholarship

The Tertiary Education Subsidy for Dependents of Repatriated OFWs (Tabang OFW) Program is yet another educational assistance program jointly implemented by DOLE, OWWA, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST). Through the program, these agencies offer a one-time cash grant amounting to ₱30,000.00 to one (1) college-level dependent of OFWs who have lost their jobs, have had their salaries reduced, have been repatriated, and have passed away due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

16. Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO) Program

The Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs (Tulong PUSO) Program is a collaborative reintegration initiative launched by DOLE, OWWA, CDA, and SEC for repatriated, distressed, and displaced OFWs. Through the program, micro, small, medium, and large OFW groups and organizations receive funds to help OFWs with viable, sustainable, and income-generating projects through a one-time financial grant ranging from ₱150,000.00 to ₱1 million pesos.

Frequently Asked Questions

For your reference, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about the OWWA Financial Assistance Programs:

1. What is the OWWA Financial Assistance for Seafarers?

Seafarers or sea-based OFWs may apply for any of the OWWA financial assistance programs listed above. The available financial assistance programs for seaman (or seawoman) are also the same programs available for land-based OFWs, except for those programs that were specifically designed for them like the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) and the Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) program. These two are only for seafarers and are not available to land-based OFWs instead.

2. How do I apply for cash assistance from OWWA?

If you believe that you meet the qualifying criteria for any of these OWWA programs, then you can simply head to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare office closest to your permanent address in the Philippines to submit an application. But, if you are still overseas and you wish to avail of any of the financial assistance programs offered by OWWA, you can check with the nearest POLO-OWWA offices about how to avail of them. Just make sure you reach out to the POLO-OWWA office first to see if they require a confirmed appointment first or if they have other requirements for the program you are interested in.

3. Can I apply for and avail of the benefits of more than one of these financial assistance programs at the same time?

It depends. For the livelihood programs, no. For the scholarship programs, most don’t allow the availment of more than one program benefit for one beneficiary, but some programs allow applying for another program for another child beneficiary. For the social benefits programs, you may apply as needed, if you meet the qualifying criteria.

4. Is there a contact number or contact person I can reach out to for questions or concerns regarding the OWWA financial assistance programs?

Yes. You may contact OWWA Cares through the 24/7 Operation Center which has the following contact information:

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
Fax: +63-2-8040638
Email address: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com

Video: List of OWWA Benefits, Programs, and Services for OFWs and their Dependents

OWWA’s mandate has always been about the protective service and support geared towards the millions of OFWs worldwide as well as their families. In this video posted by The Pinoy OFW, OWWA Deputy Administrator, Mocha Uson, shares about the OWWA programs, both financial, educational, and assistance programs, that all OFWs are welcome to take advantage of.

Watch this video to learn more about them:

Summary

Regardless of whether you are a land-based or a sea-based OFW, OWWA offers numerous financial assistance programs that can help you especially in your times of need. These programs include livelihood assistance, educational assistance, medical support, disability and dismemberment, and other benefits for you and your family.

Most of these programs are no-commitment cash grants, too, which means that they are not loans that you will need to pay back later. While most of them are available to active OWWA members, there are also some programs that are available to inactive OWWA members. Nevertheless, it’s still best to keep your OWWA membership active so make sure you renew your membership every two (2) years by paying ₱1,250.00 or US$25.00 to ensure optimum benefits.

Also, before you apply for any of these financial assistance programs, make sure that you meet the qualifications and requirements to avoid wasting your time and efforts.

Disclaimer: While all the information presented here is updated at the time of writing, do note that these can change without prior notice so it’s best to make it a habit to check with OWWA, either via the OWWA mobile app or the various OWWA RWOs or POLO-OWWA offices for the latest requirements and updates. You may also visit the OWWA official website of OWWA at https://owwa.gov.ph/ or follow their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial/.

OWWA Membership: How do I Become a Member of OWWA?

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a membership institution established to protect and support aspiring and existing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The agency offers member-exclusive benefits, programs, and services meant to help give a good life to OFWs and would-be OFWs and their families.

Though OWWA is technically a membership institution, just being a documented or legal OFW already automatically makes you an OWWA member by default. In case you aren’t or just to ensure that you can keep enjoying the various benefits associated with being an OWWA member, this guide will tell you everything you need to know—from registration to renewal—so you can keep your OWWA membership and privileges.

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Purpose and Benefits of an OWWA Membership

The OWWA membership is a privilege exclusively given to OFWs. It is their passport to all the benefits, programs, and services offered by the agency.

With this membership, OFWs get assistance during the initial phase up to the transition period (from pre-employment and employment, to the post-employment processes) of their work abroad journey.

The agency also offers repatriation and reintegration programs, entrepreneurial training, educational, medical, and livelihood assistance, and loan and financial programs to help OFWs and their eligible dependents have a stable financial and career growth.

Moreover, OWWA serves as the OFWs helping hand and insurance for when they encounter difficulties in and out of their host country. Through the programs and services provided by the institution, the OFWs can have the sense of security they need to leave their comfort zone and work in a foreign place, making the OWWA membership beneficial to both OFWs and their dependents.

Qualifications for OWWA Membership

To register and apply for OWWA membership and enjoy the benefits offered by the agency, OFWs must satisfy the following criteria for eligibility:

Must be of legal age

Must have acquired an employment contract from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA))

Must have a visa and valid work permit

Must have expired OWWA membership

Must have kept their citizenship citizens as Filipino even after acquiring permanent residency status in the host country

Must be an OFW who has acquired legal employment from the host country after working without having proper documentation from POEA

Likewise, some OFWs are not eligible for an OWWA membership even if they want to if they are:

Slated for termination

Terminated

Their employment contract is for cancellation

Their employment contract is canceled

They are resigned

They are on no work, no pay terms

Requirements for OWWA Membership

Aside from the eligibility criteria set by OWWA, OFWs also need to prepare all the required documents and fees before processing their application for OWWA membership.

To get started, here’s a list of the general documentary requirements OWWA needs before they can process your application:

OWWA OFW Information Sheet (also known as OWWA Membership Form)

Copy of Passport data page with photo

Valid Employment Pass or Work Permit Card

Employment Contract

Certificate of Employment

US$25.00 Membership Fee (may vary depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country, ranging from Php 1,000.00 to Php 1,500.00)

Polo-verified contract

Valid Visa (validity must be more than 90 days)

OFW must be actively working

Company certification issued within the last thirty (30) days with company stamp signature

Note: The requirements listed above are generally needed regardless of where you process your OWWA Membership application. However, the documents you need to present may vary depending on the location of the OWWA office where you process or renew your OWWA membership. You may need to check the with the specific OWWA office or POLO-office in the city handling OWWA memberships.

OWWA Membership Application Procedures

When applying for an OWWA membership, it is necessary to prepare ahead and check the different ways by which you can process your OWWA membership.

You can register for membership via:

By enrollment after the contract processing at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)); or

Voluntary registration at job sites overseas by going to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA) office of the host country

Voluntary registration in the Philippines when they visit the OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) in their home region. Take note that an OWWA membership appointment booking is very important in order to enter the OWWA office.

You will need to decide how you want to apply for OWWA membership first before actually going through the registration procedures. Once you have decided, you can simply follow the step-by-step procedures listed below:

OWWA Membership via the OWWA Offices

Prepare the general requirements for OWWA membership, whether it is for application or renewal, including:
- Original and Photocopy of Passport (showing personal data with photo)
- Other documents such as Photocopy of Passport with valid re-entry visa and arrival stamp, Letter of Consent
- Original and Photocopy of valid work permit
- Employment Certificate
- Duly accomplished OWWA OFW Information Sheet
- US$25.00 membership fee

Secure an appointment to the nearest OWWA Office through either of the following:
- Using the appointment scheduler on the OWWA website (appointment.owwa.gov.ph).
- Using the appointment scheduler on the OWWA Mobile App.

On the day of the appointment, head on to the selected OWWA office.

Secure a queuing number and wait for your turn to be accommodated.

Once the submitted documents are verified to be complete, pay the necessary fee to complete the process.

Once the payment is complete, the membership automatically starts.

OWWA Membership Application Online

Prepare a scanned copy of all the documentary requirements, including:
- OWWA OFW Information Sheet downloadable from the agency’s website
- Copy of Passport data page with photo
- Valid Employment Pass or Work Permit Card
- Valid Employment Contract
- US$25.00 Membership Fee (may vary depending on the foreign currency equivalent of the destination country)

Visit the specific OWWA website in the country of your destination.

Search for the designated email of the OWWA office in the host country.

Send your scanned documents for evaluation.

Wait for the OWWA email notification to proceed with the payment before making the payment for the membership fee.

After receiving the notice to complete payment, choose your preferred payment method and process the payment for the US$25.00 membership fees.

Take a screenshot of the successful payment and send it to OWWA’s email.

Wait for a copy of the official receipt (OR) to be sent to your email. You may also set an appointment to visit OWWA and claim the original receipt.

The membership will be active as soon as the payment is posted.

Via the OWWA Mobile App

You can also apply online by installing the OWWA Mobile Application (Search for OWWA Mobile App on Google Play for Android users and on App Store for iOs Users). To do so, simply sign up on the mobile app and fill out the OWWA registration form.

OWWA Membership Fees

The cost of OWWA membership is fixed at US$ 25.00. This may change depending on the equivalent currency at the destination country. If you are in the Philippines, the rate may vary from Php 1,000.00 to Php 1,500.00.

OWWA Membership Validity Period

The OWWA membership is valid for two (2) years, starting from the date of membership payment up until the expiration of the employment contract. The membership is valid for two (2) years after which it has to be renewed.

Verifying the Status of your OWWA Membership

Checking the status of your OWWA membership can be easily done through the following options:

Via the OWWA membership slip

Once you have the official receipt (OR) of the OWWA membership fee that you paid for, you can simply check the date on your OWWA receipt. If the date is beyond two (2) years already, it means the OWWA membership is already inactive and will need to be renewed again. Otherwise, the OWWA membership is still valid until two (2) years have elapsed.

Via the Mobile App

Another option to verify the status of your OWWA Membership is to do so via the OWWA mobile app. You simply need to install the OWWA Mobile App, log into the app with your username and password, then enter your details as required, and you can see whether the status is ‘active’ or ‘inactive’. You will have to renew your OWWA membership to continue enjoying the benefits that come with it.

OWWA Membership Renewal

OWWA membership renewal is much like the registration and can be done either in person or via the OWWA Mobile App.

Simply follow the procedures listed below.

Membership Renewal via the OWWA Mobile App

For those who own smartphones and can download the OWWA mobile app,

Download and install the OWWA Mobile App (Google Play for Android users and App Store for Apple Users)

Proceed to your Profile and you will see your latest employment contract record.

Go to “Information” to see your membership status. If your membership is “inactive.”

Click the “Renew Membership Here” button.

Fill out the necessary information to process payment.

Choose your preferred payment option, and then click “Submit”.

Pay your membership fee through the application’s Member Online Payment System (MOPS) of Landbank-Bancnet.

Check your membership status on the “Information”. After the payment, your membership status will become “ACTIVE”.

Membership Renewal via the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices

OFWs may also renew their OWWA membership with the help of their family members in the Philippines. They simply need to submit the following requirements to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office:

Valid employment contract or any proof of existing employment

Valid work permit or work visa

Photocopy of passport page showing the photo and personal data

Authorization from OFW member

Valid ID of Authorized Representative

Duly accomplished OWWA Membership form

US$ 25.00 equivalent in Philippine currency

Important Reminders

When registering or renewing your OWWA membership, never proceed with the payment before you receive the notice from OWWA.

OWWA membership is mandatory for all OFWs, though sometimes, some OFWs forget to pay the renewal fee and end up being inactive.

The OFW Information Sheet is the same as the OWWA Membership Form—the main document application form.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers about OWWA membership:

1. What benefits come with being an OWWA member?

OWWA members, in general, are entitled to scholarship training, education programs, overseas employment opportunities, social and welfare assistance, repatriation, reintegration, and livelihood assistance and support.

2. How much does it cost to become an OWWA Member?

OWWA membership costs US$ 25.00 (or its equivalent currency, depending on the location) for a period of two (2) years.

3. Who is eligible to become an OWWA member?

If you are a Filipino citizen with an active employment contract and are currently working overseas, then you are eligible to become an OWWA member. Even if you already acquired a permanent resident status, as long as you keep your Filipino citizenship while working abroad, you can apply for an OWWA membership.

4. Is there a waiting list for the OWWA Membership group?

No. There is no waiting list for OWWA membership. The membership activates as soon as the membership fee is paid. However, it is best to apply for membership as soon as possible so you can keep your OWWA account active and continue enjoying the benefits.

5. How can I apply for OWWA membership?

To apply, you may either visit the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate, visit the nearest OWWA RWO, download the application form from the OWWA website and submit it via email, or download the OWWA mobile app.

6. How do I pay for the OWWA membership online?

Paying for the OWWA membership online can be done by following the steps detailed in the OWWA Mobile App and sending the payment through your preferred payment channel.

7. Are OFWs automatic OWWA members?

Not exactly. Technically, only “documented” or “legal” OFWs are automatic members of OWWA. That said, if you aren’t one but you are interested in becoming an OWWA member, you may visit the nearest OWWA or POLO-OWWA office so you can become a legal OFW and process your OWWA membership.

8. Is it mandatory for OFWs to join OWWA as members?

Yes. At the very least, the “documented” or “legal” OFWs, the agency automatically claims them as members. Unfortunately, not all OFWs are legal and documented so they need to visit the nearest OWWA office for assistance.

9. Does OWWA membership expire?

Yes. OWWA membership does expire. It is only valid for two years upon processing the payment of your membership fees, so if it’s beyond two years and you did not renew your OWWA membership, then it is most likely already inactive or expired.

10. How to book an OWWA appointment online?

Before going to any OWWA office to submit your documents or process membership application or renewal, you need to book an appointment with OWWA. To do so, simply follow these steps:

Visit the online appointment portal at https://appointment.owwa.gov.ph/.

Select your preferred OWWA Regional Office.

Select the type of program that you need an appointment for.

Choose your preferred date to visit.

Fill out the form with your personal information.

Click “Next.”

Double-check the appointment information and click “Submit Appointment.”

Summary

So these are everything you need to know about how to become an OWWA member. With this guide, we hope that you will have all the information you need to secure an active OWWA membership and enjoy the benefits and services that the agency has to offer.

If you have any problems or concerns, you can always visit the official website at owwa.gov.ph or through the official OWWA channels below:

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/

Globe Hotline: 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)

Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992