If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Cyprus and you want to apply for OWWA membership, we have provided the necessary information and application procedures for you. OWWA, which stands for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is an agency dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their dependents. Working in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), OWWA assists in verifying the legality of OFWs’ employment and provides support in accessing various benefits. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Cyprus | Book Your Appointment Now
To begin, if you acquired employment in Cyprus through a visit visa, we highly recommend applying voluntarily for OWWA membership. This will allow you to take advantage of government services, programs, and support. Below, we have outlined the different ways you can apply for OWWA membership in Cyprus:
- Philippine Embassy or Consulate: Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Cyprus and inquire about the OWWA membership application process. They will provide you with the necessary forms and guide you through the requirements.
- Online Application: Check if the OWWA membership application can be done online. Visit the official OWWA website or the website of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Cyprus to access the online application portal. Follow the instructions provided and submit the required documents digitally.
Requirements for OWWA Membership Application:
- Accomplished OWWA Membership Form
- Photocopy of your passport (relevant pages)
- Proof of employment in Cyprus (employment contract, work permit, etc.)
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Payment of OWWA membership fee (the amount may vary, so inquire at the Embassy or Consulate)
Reminders:
- Ensure that all documents are valid and up to date.
- Provide accurate and complete information on the application form.
- Double-check the requirements and procedures to avoid any delays or complications.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your reference.
Once you become an active OWWA member, you can benefit from a range of services, programs, and support offered by the agency. These include:
- Legal assistance for OFWs facing conflicts with their employers.
- Financial aid and other forms of support for those affected by Covid-19.
- Livelihood programs, loans, and education and training benefits.
- Scholarships for eligible dependents.
- Repatriation and reintegration programs.
- Access to insurance policies covering medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial expenses.
In summary, we encourage OFWs in Cyprus to apply for or renew their OWWA membership to enjoy the various benefits and support provided. By becoming an OWWA member, you can ensure that you and your dependents receive the necessary assistance and protection while working abroad.
Requirements
It is always recommended to double-check with the appropriate authorities or consular services for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Here’s the rephrased version:
“If you are an OFW in Cyprus and need to renew or apply for OWWA membership, you must fulfill the following requirements listed below. Alternatively, you can reach out to POLO Greece, as they have an extended jurisdiction in Cyprus:
- Complete the OFW Information Sheet.
- Ensure that your visa is valid for more than 90 days.
- Provide both the original and photocopy of your passport, including the data page and page 3 with your signature.
- Include a copy of any of the following proofs of employment:
- Valid Work Permit
- Certificate of Employment with a copy of the Employer’s ID
- Not expired Contract
- Latest Pay Slip
- Present a letter of certification from your employer or company, confirming that you are not on the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee of US$25.00, which will be converted to Euro based on the prevailing foreign exchange rate.”
Remember to verify the current requirements and procedures with the appropriate authorities or consult the consular services for the most accurate and updated information.
Qualifications
OWWA membership offers a range of services, programs, and support designed to assist OFWs in their careers and improve the living conditions of their families.
However, it’s important to note that not all individuals are eligible to apply for OWWA membership. To qualify, OFWs must meet certain criteria established by OWWA. Applicants must be “legal” or “documented” workers with an active and continuous employment status, possessing a valid work permit and visa. Additionally, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries while maintaining their Filipino citizenship and having full-time or permanent employment are also eligible to apply for or renew their OWWA membership.
It’s important to mention that OWWA does not accept individuals who do not meet the requirement of active and continuous work. This means that the following categories of employees are not qualified for OWWA membership:
- Employees who are due for termination.
- Terminated employees.
- Employees who are due for cancellation.
- Canceled employees.
- Resigned employees.
- Employees under the “No work, No pay” scheme.
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Cyprus
Since there is no designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) in Cyprus, the POLO in Athens, Greece, handles the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership applications for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Cyprus. Currently, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, POLO-OWWA Athens does not have an online appointment system for OWWA membership.
According to a Facebook post by OWWA Athens, they accept walk-in applicants who visit their office. Therefore, if you are in Cyprus and want to process your OWWA membership, you can visit the office of POLO-OWWA Athens in Athens, Greece, without a prior appointment.
However, there is another Facebook post by the Philippine Embassy in Greece stating that services rendered during the Consular Outreach Mission in Cyprus are by appointment only. This means that if you plan to process your OWWA membership during the Consular Outreach Mission in Cyprus, you should contact POLO-OWWA Athens to book an appointment.
Additionally, you can inquire about OWWA membership in Cyprus by contacting the Philippine Consulate offices in Nicosia and Larnaca. They may be able to provide you with further information and guidance regarding OWWA membership and related services in Cyprus. Please note that the information provided is based on my training data up until September 2021, and it’s always a good idea to verify the current procedures and contact details through official sources such as the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Cyprus
“While there are Philippine Consulate offices in Nicosia and Larnaca, there is currently no POLO-OWWA office in Cyprus. As a result, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Cyprus can only process their OWWA membership application or renewal by attending the Consular Outreach Mission of the Philippine Embassy and POLO-OWWA Athens in Cyprus. To stay updated on the upcoming schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission in Cyprus, it is recommended to visit their Facebook pages and websites or contact their office for more details.
In addition to the on-site application, OFWs in Cyprus also have the option to renew or apply for OWWA membership by sending their scanned documents through email. It is advisable to contact POLO-OWWA Athens to inquire about the application procedure and OWWA membership requirements. For those seeking a more convenient approach, membership renewal can be done through the OWWA mobile app. Moreover, if OFWs are planning to visit the Philippines soon, they can also apply for OWWA membership by booking an appointment at any Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) office.”
Paying OWWA Membership in Cyprus
If you have gathered the necessary documents for your OWWA membership application and you meet the qualification criteria for OWWA members, you have several options for paying the OWWA membership fee in Cyprus. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
- Via Consular Outreach Mission:
- Stay informed about the upcoming visit of the Philippine Embassy and POLO-OWWA Athens officials to Cyprus.
- Contact the relevant offices to book an appointment for the Consular Outreach Mission.
- During the Consular Outreach Mission, bring a copy of your confirmed appointment schedule for OWWA membership, as well as your Covid-19 vaccination card or a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test.
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and present your requirements for verification.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect the official receipt.
- Via Email:
- Scan all the required documents for your OWWA membership application.
- Send the scanned documents to owwagreece.online@gmail.com.
- Wait for the approval of your request by an OWWA representative.
- Once approved, the OWWA representative will contact you regarding the payment procedure for the OWWA membership fee.
- Pay the fee as instructed by the OWWA representative.
- After making the payment, send your proof of payment to OWWA to receive your OWWA membership electronic receipt.
- Via OWWA Mobile App:
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
- Register an account and provide an active email address as you’ll receive your temporary login details via email.
- Check your email and copy the login details provided.
- Open the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details sent to your email.
- Once logged in, click the “Information” button at the bottom tab.
- You’ll be able to see your membership status (active or inactive).
- If your membership is 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 page, select your preferred payment method from the available options.
- Copy the Reference Number provided and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Take a screenshot of your transaction or the provided electronic receipt as proof of payment.
Please note that this paraphrased information is based on the assumption that you are applying for OWWA membership in Cyprus. The processes and contact details mentioned may vary, so it’s always best to verify the most up-to-date instructions and requirements from the official sources, such as the Philippine Embassy, POLO-OWWA Athens, or the OWWA website.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Cyprus
To ensure the renewal or application of your OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership, please keep the following reminders in mind:
- OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Cyprus should contact POLO-OWWA Athens, Greece, for OWWA membership applications since there is no designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) in Cyprus.
- The Philippine Embassy and POLO-OWWA Athens may require an appointment when they conduct a Consular Outreach Mission in Cyprus.
- Apart from the Consular Outreach Mission, OFWs in Cyprus can renew their OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app or by sending their requirements to OWWA’s email.
- If you are vacationing in the Philippines, you can apply for or renew your OWWA membership at DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare).
- During the on-site application, OFWs should bring a copy of their confirmed appointment schedule as it may serve as a gate pass.
- Applicants should also bring their Covid-19 vaccination cards. If the vaccination card is not available, present a Negative Rapid test taken within 24 hours or a Negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours from the visit.
- Applicants should observe physical distancing, wear face masks at all times, and disinfect their hands.
- When visiting the Embassy or POLO-OWWA office, applicants should wear proper attire. Sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers are prohibited. Wearing any of these attire items will result in the prevention of the applicant’s entry.
- OFWs in Cyprus should contact the Embassy and POLO-OWWA Athens, as well as the Philippine Consulate offices in Nicosia and Larnaca, for more details regarding OWWA membership.
It is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements from the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth renewal or application process for your OWWA membership.
UPDATED: STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR OWWA MEMBERSHIP/ RENEWAL
For more details on OWWA membership,
“The validity of OWWA membership lasts for a period of two years. It is advisable for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have secured employment during their stay abroad to avail themselves of OWWA membership. This is because being a member can provide them with valuable support in case of unforeseen job loss or financial needs. Consequently, the advantages of OWWA membership clearly demonstrate its significance to OFWs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Cyprus?
As of writing, there is no online appointment system for OWWA membership in Cyprus. But you may contact POLO-OWWA Athens to book an appointment.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Cyprus?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Cyprus via Consular Outreach Mission, email your documents to OWWA Athens, or process your renewal through OWWA mobile app.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
Download and renew your OWWA membership via OWWA mobile app.
4. How much is OWWA membership in Cyprus?
The OWWA membership fee in Cyprus 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 using OWWA mobile app.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
OWWA membership is valid for two years.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
Your 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 for OFWs processing their employment at DMW.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
Not all OFW are OWWA members since they should meet the qualification criteria of OWWA.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
OWWA benefits are available to active members, while inactive members can only access limited benefits.
Summary
To summarize, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Cyprus have multiple options to renew or apply for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. The available methods include:
- Consular Outreach Mission: OFWs in Cyprus can take advantage of Consular Outreach Missions organized by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. These missions provide services to Filipino nationals abroad, including OWWA membership application or renewal.
- Email: OFWs can also process their OWWA membership application or renewal by contacting the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Cyprus via email. They can inquire about the necessary requirements and procedures and submit the required documents electronically.
- OWWA Mobile App: Another convenient way for OFWs in Cyprus to renew or apply for OWWA membership is through the OWWA mobile app. They can download the app on their smartphones and follow the instructions provided to complete the application process.
Additionally, OFWs who are currently on vacation in the Philippines can also renew their OWWA membership at the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW). This allows them to ensure that their OWWA membership remains active and enjoy the various benefits associated with it. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Cyprus | Book Your Appointment Now
It is advisable for OFWs in Cyprus to keep their OWWA membership active at all times to have access to the different benefits provided by OWWA. These benefits may include financial assistance, educational support, livelihood programs, and other welfare services aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of OFWs and their families.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Athens, Greece
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 26 Antheon Street, Psychiko, Athens, Greece
Telephone Number: (+30-210) 672 1883 / 672 1837
Fax Number: (+30-210) 672 1872
Mobile Number: (+30) 697 4319 539
Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://philembassy.gr/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinGreece
POLO-OWWA Athens, Greece
Address: 10 Fthiotidos St., Ambelokipi, 115 23 Athens, Greece
Website: https://pologreece.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/owwa.cares.77
Telephone Numbers: POLO- +30 210 698 3335; OWWA- +30 210 698 2871
Emails: POLO- pologreece@yahoo.com; OWWA- greece@owwa.gov.ph
Philippine Consulate in Nicosia, Cyprus
Address: 16 Stasikratous, Nicosia, 1065, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 2225 9500
Fax Number: +357 2266 4056
Email: consulate@tornaritislaw.com
Philippine Consulate in Larnaca, Cyprus
Address: 21B Makariou III Avenue, 6016, Larnaca, Cyprus
Telephone Number: +357 2472 2520
Fax Number: +357 2472 2184
Email: info@philippineconsulate.org.cy
