Schedule Your OWWA Membership Appointment in Austria | Secure Your Benefits

“For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Austria, it is important to know that renewing your membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is necessary in order to access various benefits. If you are an OFW who has obtained employment in Austria on a visit visa, we strongly encourage you to voluntarily apply for OWWA membership to avail of OWWA benefits. So, how can you process your OWWA membership in Austria?”Schedule Your OWWA Membership Appointment in Austria | Secure Your Benefits” Continue reading as we provide you with the available application procedures for OWWA membership in Austria.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency authorized to promote and protect the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. This agency works in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). These agencies verify the legal employment of OFWs and facilitate access to OWWA benefits.

OWWA membership offers a range of programs, services, and support to OFWs and their dependents. Through membership, OFWs can receive legal assistance in case of conflicts with employers, as well as financial aid during calamities. Additionally, active OWWA members can participate in various programs, such as livelihood initiatives, educational training, and scholarships. OWWA also provides insurance coverage for OFWs, including medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Therefore, we strongly encourage OFWs in Austria to either renew or apply for OWWA membership in order to maximize the benefits provided by OWWA.”

Requirements

As stated on a Facebook post by the Philippine Embassy in Austria, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are advised to prepare the original and photocopies of the following documents for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership registration or renewal:

1. Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
2. Copy of a valid Philippine passport (showing the data page).
3. Copy of the Employment Contract or any of the following proof of employment:
   • Company ID
   • Copy of payslip
   • Copy of bank account salary entries
   • Work or residence permit
   • Employment acknowledgment from POLO Milan (with English translation)
   • Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad.
4. Oath of Allegiance for OFWs with dual citizenship.
5. OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00, converted to Euro based on the foreign exchange rate.

Please note that this information is based on a Facebook post from the Philippine Embassy in Austria. It’s always a good idea to verify the requirements with the appropriate authorities or the embassy directly to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Qualifications

The passage you provided highlights the qualification criteria for applying for or renewing membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). OWWA is an agency in the Philippines that provides various benefits and services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

According to the passage, in order to qualify for OWWA membership, OFWs need to meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

1. Active and continuous work: OFWs should have an ongoing employment status and should be actively working in their respective jobs.
2. Legal or documented workers: OFWs must possess valid work permits and visas, indicating that they are legally employed in the country where they are working.
3. Permanent residency status: OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries while retaining their Filipino citizenship are also eligible for OWWA membership, provided they have full-time or permanent employment.

It’s important to note that the passage states that OFWs who do not meet or maintain these qualification criteria are not eligible to apply for OWWA membership or renew their existing membership. This includes OFWs who are due for termination, terminated, due for cancellation, canceled, resigned, or those who have no work and are not receiving any pay.

These qualification criteria are put in place to ensure that OWWA membership is extended to OFWs who meet the necessary legal requirements and actively contribute to the workforce.

Booking an OWWA Appointment in Austria

As of the time of writing, an online appointment system for OWWA membership is not available in Austria. Additionally, Austria does not have a designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office). The jurisdiction over Austria falls under POLO Milan, which handles labor-related concerns and services for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Austria. If you are an OFW in Austria and require information regarding OWWA membership or any labor-related matters, you can contact POLO Milan for further details.

On the other hand, POLO Milan does have an online appointment system for OWWA membership, as stated in a guide on their website. However, please note that the OWWA OSMP Scheduler is specifically for OFWs residing in Milan or Northern Italy. If you are living in Milan or Northern Italy and wish to apply for OWWA membership in person at POLO Milan, you should reach out to their office to schedule an appointment and obtain additional information. For individuals who are currently on vacation in the Philippines, you can book an appointment with DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) for OWWA membership.

Applying for OWWA Membership in Austria

Based on the information provided, it seems that there may be some uncertainty regarding the specific processes for OWWA membership application and renewal for OFWs in Austria. Here are some suggestions and options you can consider:

1. Consular Outreach Mission: The Philippine Embassy in Austria and POLO Milan conduct Consular Outreach Missions, which may include OWWA membership processing. It would be advisable to check the websites and Facebook pages of these entities for updated information on the schedules and locations of these missions.
2. Contact the Philippine Consulate General (PCG): To clarify the process of OWWA membership application and renewal in Austria, you can reach out to the Philippine Consulate General in Austria. They should be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required procedures and documents.
3. Contact POLO-OWWA Milan: While the online OWWA appointment system of POLO Milan may be primarily for areas under their jurisdiction, it is still worth contacting them directly to inquire if OFWs in Austria can visit their office for OWWA membership application or renewal. They can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take.
4. Philippine Embassy in Vienna and Honorary Consul: You can also reach out to the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and the Honorary Consul in Salzburg and Innsbruck to inquire about the OWWA membership application and renewal processes. They should be able to provide you with relevant information and guidance.
5. OWWA Mobile App: An alternative option for OFWs in Austria is to utilize the OWWA mobile app. This app allows for convenient OWWA membership renewal using a mobile phone. It would be beneficial to download the app and follow the provided instructions to complete the membership renewal process.

Remember that contacting the relevant authorities directly will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding OWWA membership application and renewal processes in Austria.

Paying OWWA Membership in Austria

To pay the OWWA membership fee, you have two options: via on-site application or through the OWWA mobile app.

Via On-Site OWWA Membership Application:

1. Contact POLO Milan or the Philippine Embassy in Austria to book an appointment for OWWA membership.
2. Gather the necessary documentary requirements for the OWWA membership application.
3. Visit the designated application site and bring a copy of your confirmed appointment schedule.
4. Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
5. Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect your official receipt.

Note: OFWs in Austria should get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and Honorary Consul in Salzburg and Innsbruck for the latest application process. You can also contact PCG and POLO Milan for Consular Outreach Mission.

Via OWWA Mobile App:

1. Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
2. Register an account and provide an active email address to receive temporary login details.
3. Check your email and copy the login details.
4. Open the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details you received via email.
5. Once logged in, tap the Information button at the bottom tab.
6. You will see your membership status (active or inactive).
7. If your membership is inactive, click “Renew Membership Here” and accept the Terms of Service.
8. Review and update your employment details if necessary, then click Submit.
9. On the LandBank payment portal page, select your preferred payment method from the Payment Option menu.
10. Copy the Reference Number provided and follow the payment instructions to complete the payment of the OWWA membership fee.
11. Take a screenshot of your transaction or save the electronic receipt provided.

Please note that the process and requirements may vary, so it’s essential to contact the relevant authorities or check the official OWWA website for the most up-to-date information.

Reminders for OWWA Membership in Austria

Please keep in mind the following reminders when renewing or applying for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership:

• As of now, there is a designated Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Austria, while POLO Milan has jurisdiction in this country.
• OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Austria can process their OWWA membership through the Consular Outreach Mission, OWWA mobile app, or DMW (Door-to-Door Worldwide) when vacationing in the Philippines.
• When visiting the Embassy or any government office, OFWs should dress appropriately. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando (undershirts), shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited. Applicants wearing prohibited attire will not be allowed to enter the premises.
• OFWs processing their OWWA membership on-site 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.
• It’s important to note that most online details may not be up to date. Therefore, we advise OFWs in Austria to contact the relevant offices for the latest information. You can also visit the website and Facebook pages of the Philippine Embassy in Austria and POLO Milan for the latest announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Austria?

As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Austria.

2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Austria?

You can renew your OWWA membership in Austria through Consular Outreach Mission or OWWA mobile app.

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 Austria?

The OWWA membership fee in Austria is US$25.00 converted to Euro 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.