For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in Malta, it is essential to renew your membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in order to access the benefits provided by the organization. We highly recommend that OFWs who have obtained employment in Malta through a visit visa voluntarily apply for OWWA membership.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Malta If you are unsure about the requirements and procedures involved, we have prepared a detailed guide on how to become an OWWA member in Malta.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency that is 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 verify the legal employment status of OFWs and grant them access to OWWA benefits.
By becoming a member of OWWA, OFWs and their dependents can avail themselves of a range of services, programs, and support aimed at assisting them in their careers, education, and living conditions. OWWA also provides financial aid to OFWs during calamities and offers legal assistance in case of conflicts with their employers. Furthermore, active OWWA members can access various programs, including educational training and livelihood opportunities.
OWWA membership can be seen as a form of insurance, as it provides OFWs with medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Therefore, we strongly encourage OFWs in Malta to either renew or apply for OWWA membership to take full advantage of the benefits that OWWA offers.
Please note that the language used in this response has been revised to meet your requirement of English.
Requirements
According to a Facebook post by the Philippine Embassy in Italy, the following are the documentary requirements that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Malta need to secure for their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership application through POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Rome:
- Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
- Original and photocopy of a valid Philippine passport with a signature, showing the data page.
- Proof of confirmed appointment schedule (for on-site application).
- Valid work/residence permit, depending on the type of permit:
- Permit to Stay for Work (Permesso di Soggiorno)
- Permit to Stay for Family Reasons (Motivo Familiari)
- Permanent Residents (Carta Di Soggiorno)
- Photocopy of a valid employment contract (Lavoro Subordinato) for regular workers.
- Photocopy of the following proofs of present employment:
- Company ID
- Verified contract
- Copy of the latest payslip
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad.
- Copy of the employment contract (Denuncia Rapporto di Lavoro) for new members.
- Oath of Allegiance and Identification Certificate (for OFWs with dual citizenship).
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00, converted to Euros based on the foreign exchange rate.
These requirements are necessary for OFWs in Malta who wish to apply for OWWA membership through the Philippine Embassy’s POLO office in Rome.
Qualifications
- The purpose of OWWA is to safeguard and advance the well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents. OWWA provides various programs and services to cater to their needs.
- However, not all individuals are eligible to apply for OWWA membership. OWWA has specific qualification criteria that must be met and maintained by its members.
- OWWA requires its members to be active and continuously employed as “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas.
- OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and continue to be Filipino citizens while holding full-time or permanent employment are eligible for OWWA membership.
- On the other hand, the following individuals do not meet the qualification criteria of OWWA:
- Those who are due for termination.
- Those who have been terminated.
- Those who are due for cancellation.
- Those whose employment has been canceled.
- Those who have resigned.
- Those who have no work and receive no pay.
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Malta
As of the time of writing, Malta does not offer an online appointment system for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. This is because Malta does not have a designated Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). Instead, Malta falls under the jurisdiction of POLO-OWWA Rome. Therefore, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Malta are advised to refer to POLO-OWWA Rome for any labor-related services and concerns.
It should be noted that POLO Rome does have an online appointment system for OWWA membership. However, it is unclear whether OFWs in Malta can utilize this system to apply for OWWA membership on-site at POLO Rome. For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact POLO Rome directly, as well as the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Swatar.
On the other hand, if you are in the Philippines, you can book an appointment at the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW) or the nearest OWWA Regional office to process your OWWA membership.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes since then. It is always best to verify the latest procedures and requirements by contacting the relevant authorities directly.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Malta
Based on the latest information available online, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malta have two options to apply for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership: through POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Rome or during Consular Outreach Missions conducted in Malta. Both processes require an on-site appointment.
OFWs in Malta should reach out to the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Swatar, the Philippine Embassy in Italy, and POLO-OWWA Rome for further details. Alternatively, they can also contact their agency for assistance with the OWWA membership application.
An easier and more convenient option is to renew OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app. This online process allows OFWs to renew their membership anytime and anywhere, making it highly recommended.
Please note that the information provided is based on the details available at the time of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It’s always advisable to check for the latest updates and requirements from official sources, such as the relevant consular offices or the OWWA website.
Paying OWWA Membership in Malta
“Since there are three methods available for OWWA membership processing in Malta, the same applies to paying the contribution fee. If you process your OWWA membership at POLO Rome or Consular Outreach Mission in Malta and you qualify for OWWA membership, you can pay the contribution fee on-site.
Furthermore, if you choose to renew your membership through the OWWA mobile app, you have various options for paying the OWWA membership fee. You can make the payment online through a bank or e-wallet. However, if you don’t have access to either of these, you can pay at over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. If you’re not in the Philippines, you can ask your relatives there to pay the contribution fee by providing them with the generated reference number and transaction details.”
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via On-site at POLO Rome
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- Visit the official website of POLO Rome or book an appointment through the online Appointment Reservations portal.
- Look for OWWA Membership and click the Schedule Appointment button.
- Select your preferred appointment date and time and click Confirm.
- Enter your First Name, Last Name, Email, and Philippine Mobile Number, and click Schedule Event.
- Next, go to your email to take a screenshot or print the confirmed appointment schedule.
- Head to POLO Rome and present your proof of appointment schedule.
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
- Once qualified, pay the OWWA membership fee and collect your official receipt.
Note: It’s unclear whether or not OFWs in Malta can use the online Appointment Reservations portal to apply on-site at POLO Rome. So before booking an appointment for an on-site OWWA membership application, confirm with POLO Rome if this process is applicable for OFWs in Malta.
Via Consular Outreach Mission
To inquire about the schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission in Malta, kindly get in touch with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Swatar and POLO-OWWA Rome. They will provide you with the necessary information.
To book an appointment, you can either use the designated link provided or visit the POLO Events Registration. Follow the instructions to secure your appointment slot.
Make sure to gather all the required documents and have a printout of your confirmed appointment schedule, which will be sent to you via email.
On the day of your appointment, go to the designated application site as instructed. Once there, proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your documents for evaluation.
You will also need to pay the OWWA membership fee. Upon payment, remember to collect your official receipt as proof of payment.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to ask.
Via OWWA mobile app
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
- Create an account and provide an active email address to receive your temporary login details.
- Check your email and copy the login details.
- Open the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details sent to your email.
- After logging in, tap on the Information button located at the bottom of the screen.
- You will see your membership status, which can be either active or inactive.
- If your membership is inactive, click on the “Renew Membership Here” option 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 preferred payment method by clicking on Payment Option.
- Copy the Reference Number provided and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Take a screenshot of your transaction or save the provided electronic receipt for reference.
Please note that these instructions have been paraphrased based on the information you provided. It’s always recommended to refer to the official instructions provided by OWWA for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Malta
Please take note of the following reminders to renew or apply for OWWA membership in Malta:
As of the current situation, Malta falls under the jurisdiction of POLO-OWWA Rome, which provides assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) regarding labor-related services and concerns.
OFWs in Malta have several options to process their OWWA membership. They can do so through POLO-OWWA Rome, Consular Outreach Mission, or by using the OWWA mobile app.
When visiting the Embassy or any government office, it is important for OFWs to adhere to the proper dress code. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando (undershirts), shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited.
For OFWs who plan to process their OWWA membership on-site, they should bring the following documents: proof of confirmed appointment schedule, a Covid-19 vaccination card, or a Negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of the visit.
We strongly recommend that OFWs in Malta get in touch with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Swarta, the Philippine Embassy in Italy, and POLO-OWWA Rome for further information. Additionally, you can visit their official websites and Facebook pages to stay updated on the latest news and announcements.
WWA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Procedure
As mentioned in the video, renewing your OWWA membership online has become more convenient with the introduction of the OWWA mobile app. If your membership status is currently inactive, all you need to do is click on the “Renew Membership Here” button within the app. Remember to renew your membership every two years. In summary, renewing your OWWA membership online should not pose any issues with the OWWA mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Malta?
As of writing, Malta doesn’t have an online OWWA appointment.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Malta?
“In Malta, you have three options to renew your OWWA membership: through POLO-OWWA Rome, Consular Outreach Mission, or the 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 Malta?
The OWWA membership fee in Malta 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.
Summary
“To fully experience the advantages provided by OWWA membership, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should maintain an active membership status in order to access the various services, programs, and support offered by OWWA.
For OFWs residing in Malta, this guide can assist you in completing the OWWA membership process. Additionally, it is advisable to reach out to the appropriate offices for further information and to stay updated on the latest application procedures.”
Contact Details
Philippine Honorary Consulate in Swatar, Malta
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
Address: The Penthouse, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar, BKR 4013, Malta – EU
Website: https://www.csbgroup.com/consulate-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-to-malta/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064786713816
Email: philippines_consulate@csbgroup.com
Telephone Number: +356 2557 2127Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Via Aurelia 290A, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy
Website: https://romepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly
Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: +39 06 3974 6621
Emergency Hotline: +39 334 658 2118POLO-OWWA Rome, Italy
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Via Aurelia 290A, Rome, Italy
Website: https://www.polorome.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/POLORomeIT
POLO Email: services@polorome.com, info@polorome.com
OWWA Email: owwa@polorome.com (General inquiries), rome@owwa.gov.ph (OWWA COVID-19 Assistance and other member services)
Telephone Number: +39 06 557 5702
