To apply for or renew your OWWA membership in Serbia, you can follow the steps outlined below:
- Gather the Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your OWWA membership application or renewal. These typically include:
- Accomplished OWWA Membership Form
- Valid Philippine passport
- Valid work permit or residence card in Serbia
- Proof of employment (such as employment contract or certificate)
- Proof of remittance (receipts or bank statements)
- Proof of relationship (for dependents, such as marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Other supporting documents as required
- Visit or Contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate: Reach out to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Serbia to inquire about the specific requirements and application process for OWWA membership. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance.
- Submit Your Application: Once you have gathered all the required documents, submit your completed application to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information in your application form.
- Pay the Membership Fee: OWWA membership requires the payment of a membership fee. The fee may vary depending on the type of membership and the duration you choose. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate will provide you with information about the fee and the accepted modes of payment.
- Attend OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS): If you are a first-time OWWA member or if your membership has expired, you may need to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). The PDOS provides essential information and guidance to OFWs about working overseas.
- Follow Up on Your Application: After submitting your application, regularly follow up with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate to check the status of your OWWA membership. They will inform you once your membership has been approved and provide you with the necessary documents.
Contact Details of Relevant Offices:
Philippine Embassy in Serbia: Address: [Insert Address] Phone: [Insert Phone Number] Email: [Insert Email Address] Website: [Insert Website]
Please note that the contact details provided here are fictional and for illustrative purposes only. You should search for the official contact information of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Serbia for accurate and up-to-date details.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Serbia
Remember, it is always advisable to directly contact the relevant offices for the most accurate and updated information regarding the application process for OWWA membership in Serbia.
Requirements
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Serbia who are applying for or renewing their OWWA membership, the following primary documentary requirements must be obtained for evaluation, as stated in a Facebook post by POLO Milan:
- Complete the OWWA Information Sheet.
- Provide the original and a copy of a valid Philippine passport (showing the data page).
- Submit a copy of the Employment Contract or any of the following proof of employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of the latest payslip
- Work or residence permit
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad, acknowledged by POLO Milan.
- Pay the OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00, converted to RSD based on the foreign exchange rate.”
Please note that the information provided is based on the mentioned source and may be subject to change. It is advisable to consult the official channels or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) for the most up-to-date requirements.
Qualifications
The OWWA membership is one of the most beneficial programs offered by the Philippine government to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. It ensures access to support and assistance, particularly during challenging times. However, not all individuals are eligible for OWWA membership, as there are specific qualification criteria that need to be met and maintained.
To be eligible for OWWA membership, OFWs should have active and continuous employment and must be considered “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas. This means that they should be working in accordance with the laws and regulations of the host country.
In addition to the above criteria, OWWA also accepts OFW members who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries, provided that they remain Filipino citizens and have full-time or permanent employment.
It is important to note that OFWs who do not meet OWWA’s qualification criteria are not eligible to renew or apply for OWWA membership. This includes individuals who are not able to fulfill the employment and legal requirements mentioned earlier.
Overall, the OWWA membership program serves as a valuable resource for OFWs and their families, offering various benefits and assistance. However, eligibility is contingent upon meeting the specific criteria set by OWWA.
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- No work, No pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Serbia
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, an online appointment system for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership is not available in Serbia. Serbia falls under the jurisdiction of POLO Milan, which provides services and assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with labor-related concerns. Additionally, the Philippine Embassy in Hungary and POLO Milan conduct Consular Outreach Missions in Serbia, and appointments are required for these missions.
OFWs in Serbia can contact POLO Milan, the Philippine Embassy in Hungary, or the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Belgrade, Serbia, for more information and to inquire about the upcoming schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission.
On the other hand, OFWs who are currently vacationing in the Philippines can book an appointment with the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) or the OWWA Regional Office to process their OWWA membership.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes since then. It is recommended to verify the current procedures and requirements by contacting the relevant authorities or visiting their official websites.
Applying for OWWA membership in Serbia
According to the official website and Facebook pages of POLO Milan and the Philippine Embassy in Hungary, they have jurisdiction over Serbia and conduct Consular Outreach Missions in the country. Therefore, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Serbia can process their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership on-site.
If you are an OFW in Serbia, it is recommended that you contact the relevant offices directly to schedule an appointment. They will provide you with the necessary information and guide you through the membership process.
Alternatively, if you are planning a vacation in the Philippines, you can also process your OWWA membership on-site at the nearest DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) or OWWA Regional office.
However, the easiest and most convenient way to process your OWWA membership is through the OWWA mobile app. You can download the app on your device and renew your OWWA membership anytime and anywhere. This online option provides flexibility and accessibility for OFWs to manage their membership obligations.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up to September 2021. It is always advisable to check the official websites or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding OWWA membership processing.
Paying OWWA Membership in Serbia
There are two options available for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Serbia to pay the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership fee: on-site or online.
For on-site payment, you can go through the Consular Outreach Mission, DMW (Department of Manpower Welfare), or the OWWA Regional office. These locations will assist you in processing your OWWA membership and collecting the required fees. Alternatively, if you prefer to renew your OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app, you can pay the contribution fee at over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines.
If you’re looking for more convenient payment options, you can process your OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app. Once you’ve completed the application process, you can pay the OWWA membership fee using an online bank or e-wallet. Another option is to provide the generated reference number of your request to your relatives in the Philippines, and they can pay the contribution fee on your behalf.
These methods provide flexibility and convenience for OFWs in Serbia to fulfill their OWWA membership requirements.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy Hungary & POLO Milan)
To complete the tasks you mentioned, follow these steps:
- Contact the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, and POLO Milan, Italy:
- Locate the contact information for the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, and the POLO office in Milan, Italy.
- Call or email the respective offices to inquire about the upcoming schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission in Serbia. Request information regarding the date, time, and location of the mission.
- Book an appointment for on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal:
- Once you have the details of the Consular Outreach Mission in Serbia, inquire about the availability of on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal.
- Request an appointment for this service during the Consular Outreach Mission.
- Provide the necessary personal details and any additional information they may require.
- Print or take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email:
- After successfully booking the appointment, check your email for a confirmation message.
- Print out the email or take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment schedule to have a physical or digital copy for reference.
- Complete the documentary requirements for application:
- Review the list of documentary requirements for the OWWA membership registration and renewal process.
- Gather all the necessary documents, which may include valid identification, proof of employment, proof of OWWA contribution payment, and any other specified requirements.
- Visit the designated application site on the day of your appointment:
- On the scheduled day of the Consular Outreach Mission and OWWA registration, make sure you arrive at the designated application site in Serbia on time.
- Follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the Philippine Embassy or POLO office.
- Submit your documentary requirements for evaluation:
- Present your documentary requirements to the designated personnel at the application site.
- They will evaluate the documents and verify their authenticity.
- Be prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information if requested.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and claim the official receipt of your payment:
- Once your documents have been evaluated and approved, proceed to the payment counter.
- Pay the required OWWA membership fee as instructed by the personnel.
- Collect the official receipt for your payment as proof of membership.
Remember to double-check the accuracy of the information provided and follow any specific instructions or requirements given by the Philippine Embassy and POLO office.
Via OWWA mobile app
the instructions to download the OWWA mobile app and renew your membership:
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device from the app store.
- Open the app and register an account. During the registration process, provide an active email address as you will receive your temporary login details there.
- Check your email inbox and locate the message from OWWA. Copy the login details provided in the email.
- Return to the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details you received in your email.
- Once you have successfully logged in to your account, locate and tap on the “Information” button located at the lower tab of the app.
- In the Information section, you will find your membership status. It will indicate whether your membership is active or inactive.
- If your membership is inactive, click on the “Renew Membership Here” option and carefully read and accept the Terms of Service.
- Double-check your employment details and update them if necessary. Then, click on the “Submit” button.
- The app will redirect you to the LandBank payment portal page. On this page, click on the “Payment Option” and choose your preferred method of payment.
- After selecting your payment method, the LandBank payment portal will generate a Reference Number for your transaction. Make sure to copy this number.
- Follow the payment instructions provided on the LandBank payment portal to pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Once you have completed the payment, take a screenshot of your transaction or save the electronic receipt provided by the payment portal.
That’s it! You have successfully downloaded the OWWA mobile app, registered an account, renewed your membership, and made the payment for the OWWA membership fee.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Serbia
If you’re processing your OWWA membership in Serbia, please take note of the following reminders:
As of the current situation, Serbia does not have a dedicated Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). Instead, the jurisdiction for Serbia falls under POLO Milan and the Philippine Embassy in Hungary.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Serbia can proceed with their Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership through various channels. They may utilize the Consular Outreach Mission, OWWA mobile app, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Welfare Officer, or the OWWA Regional Office.
When visiting the Embassy or any government office, it is essential for OFWs to observe proper attire. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando (undershirts), shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited. It’s important to note that applicants wearing such outfits will not be allowed to enter the premises, even if they have an appointment.
For OFWs processing their OWWA membership on-site, it is necessary to bring proof of a confirmed appointment schedule, a Covid-19 vaccination card, or a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before the visit.
In case of any assistance or inquiries regarding the OWWA membership application process, OFWs can reach out to the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Serbia, the Philippine Embassy in Hungary, POLO Milan, or their agency. They can also visit the official websites and Facebook pages of these institutions for the latest announcements and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Serbia?
As of writing, Serbia doesn’t have an online appointment for OWWA membership.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Serbia?
“In Serbia, you have several options to renew your OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. You can do so through the Consular Outreach Mission, the OWWA mobile app, the DMW (Duty-Free World) service, or the OWWA Regional office.”
Please note that the specific services mentioned may vary or change over time, so it’s always best to consult the latest information from OWWA or the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date renewal options.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
Download and register an account on OWWA mobile app to renew your OWWA membership online.
4. How much is OWWA membership in Serbia?
The OWWA membership fee in Serbia is US$25.00 converted to RSD based on the foreign exchange rate.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
You can pay for the OWWA membership online via OWWA mobile app.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
OWWA membership is valid for two years.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
The OWWA membership becomes inactive if the two-year validity has passed or you’ve changed employers.
8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
OWWA membership is mandatory if processing employment at DMW.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
Not all OFW since OWWA has since OWWA has qualification criteria applicants should meet.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
OWWA benefits are available to active members, while inactive members can only access limited benefits.
OFW ACTIVE OR IN-ACTIVE OWWA MEMBER BENEFITS
As mentioned in the video, regardless of whether an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) has an active or inactive membership status with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), they are still able to avail themselves of OWWA benefits. However, certain requirements must be met in order to access different OWWA benefits. Therefore, becoming an OWWA member is advantageous for OFWs.
Summary
To summarize, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Serbia are advised to maintain an active membership status with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to avail themselves of the maximum benefits provided. It is highly recommended that all eligible OFWs in Serbia either apply for or renew their OWWA membership through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Milan or by using the OWWA mobile app.
Additionally, it is important to stay updated by contacting the relevant offices to acquire the most recent information regarding the documentary requirements and application process.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please let me know.
Contact Details
Philippine Honorary Consulate in Belgrade, Serbia
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10z/116, 11070 Novi Beograd, Serbia
Website: https://philippineconsulate.rs/
Email: info@philippineconsulate.rs
Telephone Number: +381 64 820 2017, +381 64 820 2015, +381 11 4079679
Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Gábor Aron utca 58, Budapest, Hungary
Website: https://budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHLinHungary
Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: (+36) (1) 391-4300
Fax Number: (+36) (1) 200-5528
POLO-OWWA Milan
Temporary Operating Hours: 9 am to 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Philippine Consulate General Milan-Viale Stelvio, 71- Via Bernina 18, 20159 Milan, Italy
Website: https://polomilan.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/polomilanofficial/
Email: owwa_milan@yahoo.com, polomilan1@gmail.com
Telephone Number: +39-02-668-4647 (POLO), +39-02-668-05954 (OWWA)
