If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Puerto Rico, it is important to apply for or renew your membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in order to avail yourself of various benefits provided by the organization. Even if you have obtained employment in Puerto Rico through a visit visa, it is recommended that you voluntarily apply for OWWA membership to access government programs, services, and support. To help you understand the process, we have provided an in-depth guide with the necessary details for OWWA membership in Puerto Rico. Schedule OWWA Membership Appointment in Puerto Rico – Step-by-Step Guide
The OWWA is an agency tasked with promoting and safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their dependents. This agency collaborates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). These agencies work together to verify the legal employment of OFWs and assist them in accessing various benefits.
By becoming an OWWA member, OFWs in Puerto Rico are entitled to a range of services, programs, and support to assist them and their dependents. OWWA membership provides OFWs with legal assistance and financial aid, especially for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Active OWWA members can also access livelihood programs, loans, education and training benefits, scholarships, and a repatriation and reintegration program.
Moreover, OWWA membership serves as an insurance policy, providing assistance in cases of medical emergencies, disability, calamities, death, and burial. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for OFWs in Puerto Rico to apply for or renew their OWWA membership to fully benefit from the various advantages available exclusively to active OWWA members.
Requirements
“To apply for OWWA membership in Puerto Rico, non-members or those with expired membership should gather the necessary application requirements outlined below. For further details, individuals can contact the Philippine Embassy and POLO in Washington, as Puerto Rico falls under their jurisdiction.
- Fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Submit photocopies of valid and active proof of employment, such as:
- Valid visa and work permit
- Employment offer
- Latest payslip
- Certificate of Employment from the company or employer
- Company ID
- Other relevant employment documents
- Provide the original and photocopy of your passport (showing the data page).
- Include a letter of certification from your employer or company confirming that you are not included in the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee of US$25.00. Payment should be made to “OWWA” through non-cash options like a US Money Order or Bank Draft. Personal checks or credit/debit cards are not accepted.
- For mail transactions, enclose a self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid return envelope.”
Remember to refer to the original source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Qualifications
While the benefits provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are aimed at benefiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, not all individuals are eligible to apply for membership. OWWA has set specific qualification criteria that applicants must meet in order to become members.
To qualify for OWWA membership, individuals are required to have active and continuous employment abroad with valid work permits and visas. This means that individuals should be currently employed in a foreign country and possess the necessary legal documentation to work there.
In addition to the employment requirements, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and still maintain their Filipino citizenship are also eligible to apply for OWWA membership. This applies specifically to individuals who have acquired permanent residency but continue to work full-time or hold permanent employment abroad.
Meeting these criteria is necessary to become a member of OWWA and avail the benefits and services offered by the organization. It’s important for prospective applicants to ensure that they fulfill these requirements before applying for OWWA membership.
However, individuals who fall under the following employment conditions are ineligible to apply for OWWA membership as they are not considered active and continuously employed:
- Those who are scheduled for termination
- Those who have already been terminated
- Those whose employment is scheduled for cancellation
- Those whose employment has already been canceled
- Those who have resigned from their positions
- Those who are under the “No work, No pay” scheme.
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico falls under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington. Therefore, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Puerto Rico should contact these offices regarding their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) appointment. Currently, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, POLO Washington does not have an online appointment system for OWWA membership applications. However, they do offer an On-Site OWWA Membership Program that is subject to change based on the Covid-19 situation. Therefore, it is advisable for OFWs in Puerto Rico to reach out to the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington to obtain the latest information about the process.
Alternatively, if the On-Site OWWA Membership Program is not feasible for you, the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington also conduct Consular Outreach Missions within their jurisdictions. To stay updated on the latest announcements and specific locations of the upcoming schedule, you can visit their Facebook pages and websites. Please note that for Consular Outreach Missions, it is necessary to schedule an appointment. You can contact POLO Washington to book your appointment.
Lastly, if you are an OFW in Puerto Rico who is unable to attend the on-site programs or Consular Outreach Missions and you are currently vacationing in the Philippines, you should book an appointment at any DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) Office or its satellite offices, known as DMW (Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Consular Affairs). You can visit the DMW website or contact them directly to apply for or renew your OWWA membership. Please ensure you have an appointment before visiting the DMW office.
Applying for OWWA membership in Puerto Rico
In addition to the On-Site OWWA Membership Program and Consular Outreach Mission, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Puerto Rico have the option to apply for OWWA membership through regular mail. To do so, simply get in touch with POLO Washington and inquire about the latest requirements for OWWA membership application.
If you’re unable to apply in person due to your schedule, there is a convenient alternative available to renew your OWWA membership in Puerto Rico. You can use the OWWA mobile app, which allows you to download it on your device and renew your membership anytime and from anywhere.
Paying OWWA Membership in Puerto Rico
Step-by-step process for paying the OWWA membership:
- Via Email: a. Contact POLO-OWWA Washington to confirm if this process is still available. b. Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet. c. Complete and scan all the required documents. d. Email your requirements to washington@owwa.gov.ph. e. If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to pay the OWWA membership fee via email. f. Take a screenshot of the payment receipt and send it to OWWA’s email to receive an e-copy of your official receipt. g. Email OWWA to set an appointment for pick up and claim your original official receipt.
- Via On-Site Application/Consular Outreach Mission: a. Contact POLO-OWWA Washington to confirm if an appointment is necessary or if walk-in applicants are accepted. For Consular Outreach Mission, book an appointment with POLO Washington. b. Visit the POLO Washington office or the designated location for Consular Outreach Mission. c. Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation. d. If you meet the qualifications, pay the OWWA membership fee. e. Collect your OWWA membership official receipt.
- Via Regular Mail: a. Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet. b. Prepare photocopies of the required documents. c. Ensure that all the documents are complete. d. Include a self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid return envelope. e. Mail your requirements to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.
- Via OWWA Mobile App: a. Download the OWWA mobile app on your device. b. Register an account and provide an active email address to receive temporary login details. c. Check your email and copy the login details. d. Open the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details sent to your email. e. Once logged in, click the “Information” button at the bottom. f. Check your membership status (active or inactive). g. If your membership is inactive, click “Renew Membership Here” and accept the Terms of Service. h. Review and update your employment details if necessary, then click “Submit.” i. On the LandBank payment portal page, select your preferred payment method under “Payment Option.” j. Copy the Reference Number and follow the provided payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee. k. Take a screenshot of the transaction or the electronic receipt provided.
Remember to follow the specific instructions for each payment method and keep copies of all the necessary documents and receipts for your records.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Puerto Rico
Please take note of the following reminders for OFWs in Puerto Rico who are applying for or renewing their OWWA membership:
- POLO Washington handles the OWWA membership for OFWs in Puerto Rico as there is no designated POLO in that area.
- OFWs in Puerto Rico have the following options to apply for or renew their OWWA membership: a. On-site application at POLO Washington or Consular Outreach Mission. b. OWWA membership applications via email or regular mail through POLO-OWWA Washington.
- OWWA Washington accepts non-cash payments only. You can pay through US Money Order or Bank Draft payable to OWWA. Personal checks or credit/debit card payments are not accepted.
- For convenience, OFWs in Puerto Rico can also renew their membership through the OWWA mobile app. If you are vacationing in the Philippines, you should book an appointment and apply at DMW.
- If an appointment is required, make sure to bring a copy of your confirmed appointment schedule as it may serve as your gate pass. Additionally, don’t forget to bring your Covid-19 vaccination card or a Negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of your visit.
- Proper attire is required when visiting the Embassy and POLO-OWWA. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando (undershirts), shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with the dress code may result in not being allowed to enter the premises.
- Stay updated with the latest announcements by visiting the Facebook page and website of the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington. You can also contact their offices for more information.
Note: Please be aware that the information provided is based on the knowledge cutoff of September 2021. It’s always recommended to double-check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Guide on how to renew membership at OWWA and benefits as OFW
For more details on OWWA membership,
“OFWs can check their OWWA membership status through the OWWA mobile app. If inactive, you can renew your membership in-app and access many benefits, such as educational and scholarship programs only available to active OWWA members.”
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides various services and benefits to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). To ensure that OFWs can conveniently check their OWWA membership status and access the benefits they are entitled to, OWWA has developed a mobile app.
Through the OWWA mobile app, OFWs can easily check whether their membership is active or inactive. This feature allows individuals to verify their membership status and take appropriate actions if needed. If an OFW’s membership is inactive, they can renew their membership directly within the app itself.
By renewing their OWWA membership and becoming active members, OFWs gain access to a wide range of benefits provided by OWWA. One of the significant advantages is the opportunity to participate in educational and scholarship programs exclusively available to active OWWA members. These programs aim to support OFWs and their dependents in their pursuit of education and skills development.
The OWWA mobile app serves as a convenient platform for OFWs to manage their membership, stay updated on their status, and take advantage of the various benefits offered by OWWA. It aims to streamline processes and enhance accessibility for OFWs, making it easier for them to access the support and services they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Puerto Rico?
Contact POLO Washington to book an appointment for OWWA membership.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Puerto Rico?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Puerto Rico through the POLO Washington office, Consular Outreach Mission, email, regular mail, and OWWA mobile app.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
Download the OWWA mobile app to renew your membership online.
4. How much is OWWA membership in Puerto Rico?
The OWWA membership in Puerto Rico is US$25.00.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
You can pay the OWWA membership fee online via OWWA mobile app.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
The OWWA membership is valid for two years.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
Your OWWA membership becomes inactive if the validity has expired or you’ve changed employers.
8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
OWWA membership is only mandatory if processing employment at DMW.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
Not all OFW can become OWWA members since OWWA have qualification criteria for applicants.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
OWWA benefits can be accessed by active members, while inactive members can only avail of limited services.
Summary
In conclusion, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Puerto Rico can rest assured as they have numerous options available to them when it comes to applying for or renewing their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. They can simply reach out to the Philippine Embassy or the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Washington office for further information and assistance.
Moreover, the OWWA mobile app provides a more convenient renewal process, enabling OFWs to renew their OWWA membership at any time and from anywhere. Schedule OWWA Membership Appointment in Puerto Rico – Step-by-Step GuideThis user-friendly app simplifies the process and ensures that OFWs in Puerto Rico can access a wide range of benefits. Therefore, we strongly encourage OFWs in Puerto Rico to take advantage of these options and apply for or renew their OWWA membership, allowing them to avail themselves of the various benefits offered.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, USA
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Main Chancery Building, Bataan Street corner 1600,
Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC, 20036
Telephone Number: 202 467 9300 / 202 467 9363
Fax Number: 202 328 7614
Website: https://philippineembassy-dc.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA
POLO Washington, DC, USA
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 1617 Massachusetts Ave. North West, Washington, DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia
Telephone Number: +1 202-467-9426
Website: https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064785936453
Email: laborofficewdc@gmail.com, wdcpolousa@gmail.com, washington@owwa.gov.ph
