“For OFWs in South Africa with expired OWWA memberships, renewing is necessary for continued access to OWWA benefits. We also encourage OFWs who found employment through a visit visa to voluntarily apply for OWWA membership. To simplify the process, we have created a comprehensive guide for OWWA membership in South Africa, including contact details of relevant offices for inquiries and assistance. Read on!Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership South Africa
OWWA is a government agency dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. Working in collaboration with DOLE, POLO, and DMW (formerly POEA), OWWA ensures legal employment verification and grants access to various benefits.
OWWA membership grants OFWs and their dependents access to programs, services, and support aimed at improving their well-being and living conditions. It offers legal assistance for employer-related issues and financial aid during times of need. Active OWWA members can also avail themselves of scholarships, educational training, livelihood opportunities, and insurance coverage, including medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. We strongly encourage OFWs in South Africa to renew or apply for OWWA membership to maximize the benefits available to them.”
Requirements
To apply for or renew your OWWA membership in South Africa, you need to fulfill the following documentary requirements:
- Complete the OWWA Information Sheet.
- Provide a copy of your valid Philippine passport (including the data page).
- Submit your Employment Contract or any of the following proof of present employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of the latest payslip
- Permit to Stay or Work Permit
- Other relevant documents demonstrating continuous employment abroad.
- Pay the OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00, converted to ZAR based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
OWWA provides services, programs, and assistance that attract many OFWs to become members. However, not all OFWs can join OWWA as members due to eligibility criteria. To apply for or renew OWWA membership, OFWs must be active and continuously employed, holding valid work permits and visas.
OFWs who have acquired permanent residency in foreign countries can join OWWA, provided they retain Filipino citizenship and have full-time or permanent employment. Conversely, OFWs who fail to meet the qualification criteria, including those who are due for termination, terminated, due for cancellation, canceled, resigned, or have no work and no pay, cannot apply for or renew their OWWA membership.
Booking an OWWA Appointment in South Africa
Currently, South Africa does not have a designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office), which means there is no online appointment system available for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership in the country. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in South Africa should get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria to inquire about OWWA membership appointments.
For OFWs in South Africa, the nearest POLO-OWWA office is located in Rabat, Morocco. Although South Africa is not within their jurisdiction, OFWs can still contact the Rabat office for inquiries regarding OWWA membership. Another option to schedule an appointment for OWWA membership is to reach out to the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) or the OWWA Regional office if the OFWs are on vacation in the Philippines.
Applying for OWWA Membership in South Africa
There is no information available on the official website and Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in South Africa regarding OWWA membership. However, they do conduct Consular Outreach Missions in countries under their jurisdiction. Therefore, OFWs in South Africa are advised to contact the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria for more information.
If you are on vacation in the Philippines, you can process your OWWA membership at the DMW or OWWA Regional office. You can also request assistance from your agency to help you with the OWWA membership process. Additionally, OFWs in South Africa can conveniently renew their membership through the OWWA mobile platform.
Paying OWWA Membership in South Africa
To register or renew your OWWA membership in South Africa, please confirm with the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria if they offer on-site registration. If available, you can pay the OWWA membership fee during your application. Alternatively, you can pay the contribution fee on-site at DMW or OWWA Regional offices.
If you choose to renew your membership through the OWWA mobile app, there are multiple payment options available. You can pay through an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. If you’re not in the Philippines, you can ask your relatives to pay the contribution fee on your behalf.
Here are the step-by-step processes for paying the OWWA membership:
- On-Site OWWA Membership Registration/Renewal:
- Contact DMW, OWWA Regional office, or the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria.
- Book an appointment for OWWA membership.
- Print a copy of your confirmed appointment and gather the required documents.
- Visit the designated office or application site on the scheduled day.
- Submit your documents at the OWWA counter for evaluation.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect the official receipt.
- Via OWWA Mobile App:
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
- Register an account and provide an active email address.
- Check your email for temporary login details.
- Enter the login details in the OWWA mobile app.
- Click the Information button in the lower tab.
- Check your membership status (active or inactive).
- If inactive, click “Renew Membership Here” and accept the Terms of Service.
- Double-check or update your employment details if necessary, then click Submit.
- On the LandBank payment portal, choose your preferred payment method.
- Copy the Reference Number and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Take a screenshot of your transaction or the provided electronic receipt.
Please note that the information provided is based on the available knowledge up to September 2021. It’s recommended to verify the current process with the relevant authorities or consult the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria for the latest details.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in South Africa
Please take note of the following reminders for OWWA membership in South Africa:
Currently, South Africa does not have a designated POLO or an online appointment system for OWWA membership. The closest POLO-OWWA office is located in Rabat, Morocco.
OFWs in South Africa have several options for processing their OWWA membership. They can do so through the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, the OWWA mobile app, DMW, or the OWWA Regional office.
When visiting the Embassy or any government office, OFWs must adhere to the proper dress code. Sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers are strictly prohibited.
For on-site processing of OWWA membership, OFWs should bring proof of a confirmed appointment schedule, a Covid-19 vaccination card, or a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the visit.
Since there is limited information available regarding OWWA membership in South Africa, OFWs are advised to contact their agency or the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria for inquiries and information. They can also visit the official website and Facebook page for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in South Africa?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in South Africa.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in South Africa?
You can renew your OWWA membership in South Africa through the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, OWWA mobile app, DMW, or OWWA Regional office.
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 South Africa?
The OWWA membership fee in South Africa is US$25.00 converted to ZAR 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.
OWWA membership BENEFITS AND SERVICES | malaking tulong sa mga OFW!
For more details on OWWA membership, please watch
As mentioned in the video, OFWs should become OWWA members for the numerous benefits they provide. OWWA members can avail social benefits, education and training assistance programs. Additionally, they have access to workers’ welfare assistance programs and social and family welfare services. Therefore, OFWs and their dependents will greatly benefit from being OWWA members.
Summary
Summary: OFWs in South Africa should renew or apply for OWWA membership to access essential protection and assistance. Contact the appropriate offices for assistance with the membership application process, as specific details for South Africa are not available.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in South Africa
Address: 54 Nicolson St., Muckleneuk 0181, Pretoria, South Africa
P.O. Box 2562, Brooklyn Square 0075, Pretoria, South Africa
Website: https://pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinSouthAfrica/
Email: pretoria.pe@dfa.gov.ph, pretoriape@mweb.co.za
Telephone Number: (+27) 12 346-2468/ (+27) 12 346-0452
Fax Number: (+27) 12 346-0454POLO-OWWA Rabat, Morocco
Operating Hours: 9:00 to 6:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at Rabat)
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Every Thursday at the Honorary Consulate Casablanca)
Address: #1 Avenue Al Arz, Block 1 Sector 8, Hay Riyad, Rabat, Morocco 10100
24/7 Hotline: +212-660333587
Office Landline Number: +212-808568852
Mobile Number: +212-660764577 (For OWWA Membership)
Email: rabat.welfare526@gmail.com (For Welfare Concerns)
Website: https://polorabat.dole.gov.ph/, https://rabatpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/polo.rabat21
