Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Cuba

Whether you’re a first-time OFW or currently working overseas, having an active OWWA membership is valuable during difficult times. This article provides a comprehensive guide to OWWA membership in Cuba, including contact information for relevant offices that can assist with the application process.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Cuba

Established in 1977, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency responsible for promoting the welfare and safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. Attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), OWWA assists OFWs with labor-related concerns and services.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Cuba

OWWA offers a membership program that provides support and services benefiting OFWs and their dependents. This includes assistance with livelihood, well-being, dependents’ education, as well as financial and legal issues. Additionally, the OWWA membership program serves as insurance for OFWs, offering medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial benefits. Therefore, we encourage OFWs in Cuba to ensure their OWWA membership is active.

Requirements

According to the official website of POLO Washington DC, here are the documentary requirements for OFWs in Cuba applying for or renewing OWWA membership.

1. Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
2. Original and copy of valid Philippine passport (showing data page)
3. Copy of the Employment Contract or any of the following proof of employment:
4. Certificate of Employment
5. Company ID
6. Copy of latest payslip
7. Work or residence permit
8. Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad
9. OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00 converted to CUP based on the foreign exchange rate.
   

   Qualifications

   OWWA has provided valuable services, programs, and support to many OFWs and their families since its establishment. Consequently, numerous OFWs worldwide aspire to become members. However, not all OFWs can meet the qualification criteria imposed by OWWA, which requires active and continuous work as legal or documented workers with valid work permits and visas.

   In addition, OWWA accepts OFWs who have obtained permanent residency in foreign countries while retaining their Filipino citizenship and holding full-time or permanent employment. Conversely, OFWs who fail to meet these qualification criteria are ineligible to apply for or renew their OWWA membership, including employees.

   • Due for termination
   • Terminated
   • Due for cancellation
   • Canceled
   • Resigned
   • Under the “No work, No pay” scheme

   Booking an OWWA Appointment in Cuba

   As of now, there is no online appointment system for OWWA membership in Cuba. There is also no designated POLO in the country, with the nearest POLO located in Washington. However, the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC occasionally conduct Consular Outreach Missions in Cuba, which may require appointments.

   Therefore, OFWs in Cuba should contact their office for more information regarding OWWA membership. It’s important to note that the Philippine Embassy in Cuba closed in October 2012. Instead, OFWs in Cuba can reach out to the Philippine Honorary Consulate offices in Miami and The Bahamas for inquiries. On the other hand, OFWs who are on vacation in the Philippines can schedule an appointment with the DMW or the OWWA Regional office.

   Applying for OWWA membership in Cuba

   The Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC held a Consular Outreach Mission in Cuba, allowing OFWs to apply for OWWA membership on-site. Alternatively, OFWs can also process their membership at DMW or the OWWA Regional office.

   POLO Washington DC offers OWWA membership processing through regular mail and email. However, it is uncertain if Cuba falls under their jurisdiction. Therefore, OFWs in Cuba should verify if these options are applicable. Lastly, OFWs can renew their membership online using the OWWA mobile app.

   Paying OWWA Membership in Cuba

   OFWs in Cuba can obtain their OWWA membership through the Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC. Vacationing OFWs can process their membership with DMW and OWWA Regional offices. Membership fee can be paid on-site once eligible.

   If transacting with POLO Washington DC via mail or email, follow the payment instructions sent to your email. OWWA membership fee should be paid to “OWWA” through non-cash methods like US Money Order or Bank Draft. Personnel checks or credit/debit cards are not accepted by POLO Washington DC.

   Alternatively, you can conveniently process your OWWA membership using the OWWA mobile app. This method is for OFWs renewing their membership and offers various payment options such as online banking, e-wallets, over-the-counter payment centers, or requesting relatives to pay on their behalf.

   Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership

   Before following the steps below, we advise confirming with the relevant offices if the process still exists and applying to OFWs in Cuba.

   Via Regular Mail (POLO Washington DC)

   1. Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
   2. Secure and photocopy the requirements.
   3. Ensure that the documents are complete.
   4. Include self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid on the return envelope.
   5. Mail your requirements to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.

   Via Email (POLO Washington DC)

   1. Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
   2. Complete and scan the requirements.
   3. Email your requirements to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
   4. If verified, follow the instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee sent to your email.
   5. Take a screenshot of the OWWA membership fee payment receipt, and send it to OWWA’s email.
   6. Then, you’ll receive an email e-copy of your official receipt.
   7. To claim the original official receipt, email OWWA before your visit to set an appointment for pick-up.

   Via Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy & POLO Washington DC)

   1. Contact the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC.
   2. Book an appointment for OWWA membership.
   3. Print or take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
   4. Complete the documentary requirements for application.
   5. Head to the designated site for the Consular Outreach Mission in Cuba.
   6. Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
   7. Pay the OWWA membership fee and claim the official receipt of your payment.

   Via OWWA mobile app

   1. Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
   2. Register an account. Also, provide an active email as it’s where you’ll receive your temporary login details.
   3. Check your email and copy the login details.
   4. Return to the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details sent to your email.
   5. Once you’ve logged in to your account, click the Information button at the lower tab.
   6. Next, you’ll see your membership status, if active or inactive.
   7. If inactive, click Renew Membership Here and accept the Terms of Service.
   8. Double-check or update your employment details if necessary. Then, click Submit.
   9. On the LandBank payment portal page, click Payment Option and choose your preferred payment method.
   10. Copy the Reference Number and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
   11. Then, take a screenshot of your transaction or the provided electronic receipt.

   Reminders for OWWA Membership in Cuba

   Please take note of the following reminders for OWWA membership application in Cuba:

   As of now, there is no POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) in Cuba. The nearest office can be found in Washington. The Philippine Embassy in Cuba closed its office in October 2012.

   OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Cuba can process their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership through various methods, including email, regular mail, OWWA mobile app, Consular Outreach Mission, DMW, or the OWWA Regional office.

   When visiting the Embassy or any government office, OFWs should adhere to the proper attire guidelines. Strictly prohibited outfits such as sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers are not allowed.

   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 of the visit.

   We recommend that OFWs in Cuba contact their agency, the Philippine Embassy, POLO Washington DC, and the Philippine Honorary Consulate offices in Miami and The Bahamas for inquiries and assistance. Additionally, they can visit the official website and Facebook page for the latest updates.

   Frequently Asked Questions

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

   As of writing, Cuba doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership.

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

   You can renew your OWWA membership in Cuba through email, regular mail, OWWA mobile app, Consular Outreach Mission, 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 Cuba?

   The OWWA membership fee in Cuba is US$25.00 converted to CUP based on the foreign exchange rate.

   5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?

   You can pay for the OWWA membership online on OWWA mobile app via an online bank or e-wallet.

   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 BALIK PINAS BALIK HANAPBUHAY PROGRAM (BPBH)

   Please watch the video below for more information on OWWA membership:

   As explained in the video, OWWA members have the right to access benefits, including the BPBH program. This program offers support and protection to OFWs, providing qualified OWWA members with financial aid of P20,000. Therefore, OWWA membership is necessary for OFWs to avail of this program.

   Summary

   In summary, OWWA membership is crucial for OFWs as it provides access to diverse benefits for their livelihood, career, and dependents. This guide simplifies the process of obtaining OWWA membership in Cuba. Remember to contact the relevant offices for the most up-to-date information on how to proceed with OWWA membership in Cuba.

   Contact Details

   Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA
   Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday
   Address: Main Chancery Building, Bataan Street corner 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC, 20036
   Website: https://philippineembassy-dc.org/
   Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA/
   Email: consular@phembassy-us.org, atn@phembassy-us.org
   Telephone Number: 202 467 9300, 202 467 9363
   Fax Number:  202 328 7614

   POLO-OWWA Washington DC, USA
   Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday (except holidays)
   Address: 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington DC, 20036
   Website: https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/
   Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/POLO-Washington-DC-1730811803835481, https://web.facebook.com/polo.wdc, https://web.facebook.com/PHinUSA/
   Email: laborofficewdc@gmail.com, wdcpolousa@gmail.com, washington@owwa.gov.ph
   Telephone Numbers: +1 (202)-467-9426

   Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami
   Address: 1600 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 1101 Coral Gables, Florida 33134
   Email: hhoward@usefc.com

   Philippine Honorary Consulate in The Bahamas
   Address: Nassau Medical Center, Carmichael Road West, Nassau, The Bahamas
   Telephone Number: (+1 242) 558 2838
   Email: philippineconsulatebahamas@gmail.com