If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Romania and your OWWA membership has expired, we strongly recommend renewing your membership in order to access the different long-term benefits provided by OWWA. Additionally, if you have obtained employment in Romania through a visit visa, we encourage you to voluntarily apply for OWWA membership.
To assist you with the application process, we have prepared a comprehensive guide specifically for OWWA membership in Romania. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable information. It also includes contact details of relevant offices that can provide assistance. Let’s begin. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Romania | Easy Steps
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency entrusted with the task of promoting and safeguarding the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. OWWA works in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) (formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or POEA). These agencies work together to ensure that OFWs have legal employment and access to OWWA programs and services.
Through OWWA membership, OFWs and their dependents can avail themselves of a range of services, programs, and support aimed at improving their lives. OWWA members can also seek legal assistance in case of conflicts with their employers and receive financial aid during challenging times. Active OWWA members are eligible for various programs, such as livelihood opportunities, educational training, and scholarships. OWWA membership also serves as insurance, providing OFWs with medical coverage, disability benefits, assistance during calamities, and support for burial expenses.
Therefore, we strongly urge OFWs in Romania to either renew or apply for OWWA membership to enjoy the maximum benefits provided by OWWA.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please refer to our detailed guide or contact the relevant offices mentioned in the guide. We are here to support you throughout the application process.
Requirements
If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Romania and you need to renew or apply for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership, here are the documentary requirements you should secure according to POLO Milan:
- Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet: This is a form provided by OWWA that you need to fill out with your personal information and other relevant details.
- Copy of valid Philippine passport (showing data page): You should provide a photocopy of the data page of your valid Philippine passport, which contains your personal information and passport details.
- Copy of Employment Contract or any of the following proof of present employment:
- Verified Contract (If you are working outside Italy): If your employment is based outside Italy, you need to provide a verified copy of your employment contract.
- Certificate of Employment: This is a document issued by your employer, stating your current employment status and details.
- Company ID: A photocopy of your company identification card can be provided as proof of present employment.
- Copy of latest payslip: Submit a copy of your most recent payslip to verify your employment and income.
- Permit to Stay or Work Permit: If applicable, you should provide a copy of your Permit to Stay or Work Permit issued by the Romanian authorities. This document confirms your legal status and permission to work in Romania.
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad: If you have any additional documents that demonstrate your continuous employment abroad, such as job certifications, work contracts, or letters from employers, it would be beneficial to include them.
- Photocopy of Oath of Allegiance for OFWs with dual citizenship: If you hold dual citizenship and have taken an Oath of Allegiance as a Filipino citizen, you need to provide a photocopy of this document.
- OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00 converted to RON based on the foreign exchange rate: You are required to pay the OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00. The exact amount in Romanian Leu (RON) will be determined based on the prevailing foreign exchange rate.
Ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared and organized before applying for or renewing your OWWA membership. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the relevant authorities or visit the official OWWA website for any updates or additional requirements.
Qualifications
The programs, services, and support OWWA offers are sure to benefit its members and their dependents. Nonetheless, not everyone is qualified to become a member, as they should meet and maintain OWWA’s qualification criteria. OFWs who wish to become OWWA members should have active and continuous work with valid work permits and visas.
Furthermore, OFWs who have acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries and remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment can become OWWA members. Meanwhile, OFWs who cannot meet and even maintain the qualification criteria are not eligible for OWWA membership, including employees:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- No work, No pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Romania
As of the current information available, there is no online appointment system for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership in Romania. This is because Romania does not have a designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) office. Instead, the POLO Milan office, which has oversight jurisdiction over Romania, provides services for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the area.
However, it’s important to note that the OWWA OSMP (OWWA-Social Benefits and Livelihood Program) Scheduler, which is an online appointment system, is only accessible to OFWs in Milan or Northern Italy. Therefore, it may not be applicable for OFWs in Romania.
In Romania, the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, has jurisdiction over OWWA membership matters. Therefore, if you are an OFW in Romania and you need to make appointments or have inquiries regarding OWWA membership, it is recommended to contact the Philippine Embassy in Budapest or the POLO Milan office.
Alternatively, if you are on vacation in the Philippines, you can also contact the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) or the OWWA Regional Office to book an appointment for OWWA membership.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It is always recommended to verify with the relevant authorities or offices for the most up-to-date information regarding OWWA membership procedures in Romania.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Romania
According to the information you provided, the Philippine Embassy in Hungary conducted a Consular Outreach Mission in Bucharest, Romania, along with POLO-OWWA Milan. This outreach mission may require an appointment. To obtain the schedule and appointment for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership, it is advised to contact the relevant offices, such as the Philippine Embassy in Hungary or POLO-OWWA Milan.
If you are in Bucharest, Romania, and wish to participate in the outreach mission, please reach out to the Philippine Embassy or the designated contact person for the Consular Outreach Mission to inquire about the schedule and appointment process.
Additionally, you can also contact your agency, the one you are affiliated with or your recruitment agency, for assistance in processing your OWWA membership. They may have the necessary information and can guide you through the required procedures.
Remember to gather all the necessary documents and information beforehand to ensure a smooth process during your appointment or when contacting the relevant offices.
Paying OWWA Membership in Romania
there are two ways for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Romania to process their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. The first option is to go through POLO Milan and the Consular Outreach Mission organized by the Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary. These processes enable OFWs to pay their OWWA membership fee on-site. Another option is to visit the OWWA Regional office.
On the other hand, there is a more convenient method available, which involves using the OWWA mobile app. This mobile app allows OFWs to renew their membership at any time and from anywhere. Payments for OWWA membership can also be made through online banks, e-wallets, or payment centers in the Philippines. If an OFW is unable to make the payment themselves, they can authorize their relatives to pay the OWWA membership fee on their behalf.
Here is a step-by-step process for paying the OWWA membership through two different methods: via POLO Milan/Consular Outreach Mission (Hungary) and via the OWWA mobile app.
Paying OWWA Membership via POLO Milan/Consular Outreach Mission (Hungary):
- Contact POLO Milan or the Philippine Embassy in Hungary to inquire about OWWA membership and book an appointment.
- Once you have your appointment confirmed, print a copy of the appointment confirmation and gather all the necessary documentary requirements for OWWA membership.
- On the day of your appointment, visit the POLO Milan office or the designated site for the Consular Outreach Mission in Hungary.
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee as instructed by the staff.
- Collect the official receipt as proof of payment.
Paying OWWA Membership via OWWA Mobile App:
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device from the respective app store.
- Register an account on the app and provide an active email address. You will 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 located at the lower tab.
- Check your membership status on the screen. If it shows as inactive, click “Renew Membership Here” and accept the Terms of Service.
- Review and update your employment details if necessary, then click “Submit.”
- On the LandBank payment portal page, select the “Payment Option” and choose your preferred payment method (e.g., credit card, online banking).
- Copy the Reference Number provided and follow the payment instructions to complete the OWWA membership fee payment.
- After making the payment, take a screenshot of your transaction or save the provided electronic receipt as proof of payment.
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on specific circumstances or updates to the OWWA membership payment system. It is always recommended to double-check the official OWWA website or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Romania
Please take note of the following reminders for OWWA membership in Romania:
- Online Appointment System: As of writing, Romania doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership. If you need assistance, you can contact the POLO Milan (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) or the Philippine Embassy in Hungary, as they have jurisdiction over Romania.
- Processing Options: OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Romania have several options for processing their OWWA membership: a. POLO Milan: You can process your OWWA membership through the POLO Milan office. b. Consular Outreach Mission: Keep an eye out for consular outreach missions in Romania, where OWWA membership processing may be available. c. OWWA Mobile App: You can check if the OWWA mobile app offers membership processing services for Romania. d. DMW: Confirm if the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Direct Membership Program (DMW) is available for Romania. e. OWWA Regional Office: If there is an OWWA regional office near Romania, you may visit the office for membership processing.
- Proper Attire: When visiting the Embassy or any government office in Romania, OFWs should adhere to the dress code. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited. Please dress appropriately.
- Required Documents: If you are processing your OWWA membership on-site, make sure to bring the following documents: a. Proof of Confirmed Appointment Schedule: Ensure you have a copy of your confirmed appointment schedule. b. Covid-19 Vaccination Card: Carry your Covid-19 vaccination card as proof of vaccination. c. Negative RT-PCR Test: If required, have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of your visit.
- Contact Information: Unfortunately, there are no specific contact details provided for Philippine government offices in Romania. However, you can reach out to the following for assistance regarding OWWA membership: a. POLO Milan: Contact the POLO Milan office for inquiries or guidance. b. Philippine Embassy in Hungary: You may also contact the Philippine Embassy in Hungary, as they have jurisdiction over Romania. c. Agency: If you have an agency assisting you, reach out to them for information on OWWA membership. d. Official Websites and Facebook Pages: Visit the official websites and Facebook pages of relevant Philippine government offices for the latest updates and more details.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It’s always recommended to verify the information through official sources or contact the relevant offices directly for the most up-to-date and accurate details.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Romania?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Romania.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Romania?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Romania through POLO Milan, Consular Outreach Mission, 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 Romania?
The OWWA membership fee in Romania is US$25.00 converted to RON 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 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR OFW’S DEPENDENT
For more details on OWWA membership
However, I can provide you with general information about OWWA scholarships for the dependents of OFWs.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Philippines does offer various scholarship programs for the dependents of active OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) members. One of these programs is the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).
The EDSP is designed to provide educational assistance to the children or siblings of single and active OWWA members. This scholarship program offers a financial grant of P60,000 per school year to help cover educational expenses.
To be eligible for the EDSP, there are certain requirements that need to be met. These requirements may include proof of OWWA membership, proof of relationship to the OFW member, and compliance with other program-specific criteria.
Additionally, there is a qualification exam that applicants must pass to be considered for the scholarship. The exam assesses the academic aptitude and potential of the applicants.
By availing the OWWA scholarships, OFWs who have student dependents can benefit from financial assistance to support their children’s or siblings’ education. It’s important to note that specific details, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change over time, so it is advisable to refer to the official OWWA website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their scholarship programs.
Summary
OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Romania are advised to maintain an active membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in order to avail themselves of various services and programs that can be beneficial to them and their dependents. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Romania | Easy Steps It is important to note that the following is a general outline of the application process for OWWA membership in Romania.
“Thus, we advise Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to contact the relevant offices for the latest procedure or download the OWWA mobile app to renew their membership. By doing so, OFWs can stay updated on the most recent requirements and processes for renewing their membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).”
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Budapest, Hungary
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Gábor Aron utca 58, 1026 Budapest, Hungary
Website: https://budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHungary
Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph, atn@philembassy.hu
Telephone Number: +36 1 391 4300
POLO-OWWA Milan, Italy
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Viale Stelvio 71 – Via Bernina 18, Milan, Italy
Website: https://polomilan.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/polomilanofficial
Email: polomilan1@gmail.com, owwa_milan@yahoo.com
POLO Hotline: +39 02 668 4647
POLO Whatsapp/Viber: +39 375 657 2333
OWWA Hotline: +39 02 6680 5954
OWWA Whatsapp/Viber: +39 375 676 2592
