For OFWs in Nigeria, we recommend renewing your expired OWWA membership to access various benefits when needed. We also encourage OFWs in Nigeria employed on visit visas to voluntarily apply for OWWA membership. If you plan to process your OWWA membership in Nigeria, please refer to our detailed guide below, which includes contact information for relevant offices to assist you with the application process.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Nigeria
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency that promotes and safeguards the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. It collaborates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). These agencies verify OFWs’ legal employment and grant access to OWWA benefits.
OWWA membership provides OFWs and their dependents with support, services, and programs aimed at enhancing their well-being, career development, livelihood, and dependents’ education. Additionally, OWWA members can seek legal assistance in case of employer conflicts and receive financial aid during challenging times. OWWA membership also serves as insurance for OFWs, offering disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Therefore, we encourage OFWs in Nigeria to renew or apply for OWWA membership to maximize the benefits provided.
Requirements
The primary documentary requirements for OFWs in Nigeria applying for or renewing OWWA membership are:
- Completed OWWA Information Sheet.
- Copy of valid Philippine passport (with data page).
- Copy of Employment Contract or any of the following proof of present employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of latest payslip
- Permit to Stay or Work Permit
- Other relevant documents demonstrating continuous employment abroad.
- OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00, converted to NGN based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
OWWA membership offers various benefits such as educational training, scholarships, and livelihood programs for both members and their dependents. Consequently, many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) aspire to become OWWA members. However, not everyone is eligible to apply for OWWA membership, as they must meet and maintain certain qualification criteria.
To qualify for OWWA membership, individuals must be actively and continuously employed as legal or documented workers with valid work permits and visas. Additionally, OFWs who have acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries while maintaining their Filipino citizenship and possessing valid work permits and visas are eligible for OWWA membership. Conversely, the following OFWs who fail to meet the qualification criteria cannot renew or apply for OWWA membership:
- Those who are due for termination
- Those who have been terminated
- Those who are due for cancellation
- Those whose contracts have been canceled
- Those who have resigned
- Those who have no work and no pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Nigeria
Currently, Nigeria does not have an online appointment system for OWWA membership. Since Nigeria does not have a designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office), OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) should contact the Philippines Embassy in Abuja for more information. The Embassy also conducts Consular Outreach programs that may require an appointment, but it is uncertain if they offer on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal. Therefore, it is advisable to verify this with the Embassy.
In addition, the nearest POLO office to Nigeria is located in Rabat, Morocco. OFWs can reach out to their office for assistance, even if Nigeria is not under their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, OFWs who are on vacation in the Philippines should contact the DMW (Department of Manpower and Welfare) or the OWWA Regional office to schedule an appointment for OWWA membership.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Nigeria
There is no relevant information about the OWWA membership application on the official website and Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria. However, they conduct Consular Outreach Missions where OWWA membership can be processed. OFWs in Nigeria can apply for OWWA membership through this method.
Another option is to process OWWA membership at DMW or OWWA Regional office if you are on vacation in the Philippines. Alternatively, you can apply for OWWA membership in Nigeria through the OWWA mobile app. This method is convenient for renewing your OWWA membership anytime and anywhere using your mobile phone.
Paying OWWA Membership in Nigeria
The contribution fee for OWWA membership can be paid on-site at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Consular Outreach Mission. The same applies if you process your membership at DMW or OWWA Regional office. However, it is important to check with the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria before proceeding.
Alternatively, renewing your OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app is a more convenient option. You can pay the contribution fee using online banking, e-wallets, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. If you are not in the country, you can ask your relatives to assist you.
The contribution fee for OWWA membership can be paid on-site at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Consular Outreach Mission. The same applies if you process your membership at DMW or OWWA Regional office. However, it is important to check with the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria before proceeding.
Alternatively, renewing your OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app is a more convenient option. You can pay the contribution fee using online banking, e-wallets, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. If you are not in the country, you can ask your relatives to assist you.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in Nigeria
Please keep in mind the following reminders for OWWA membership in Nigeria:
Currently, Nigeria does not have a POLO office, and the nearest POLO-OWWA office is located in Rabat, Morocco. OFWs in Nigeria can apply for OWWA membership through the Consular Outreach Mission organized by the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, the OWWA mobile app, DMW, or the OWWA Regional office.
When visiting the Embassy or any government office, OFWs should adhere to the proper dress code. Wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers is strictly prohibited.
For on-site OWWA membership processing, 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 Nigeria contact the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, their agency, and POLO-OWWA Rabat, Morocco for more information about the OWWA membership application process. Additionally, you can visit their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates and announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Nigeria?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Nigeria.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, you can renew your OWWA membership through Consular Outreach Mission, OWWA mobile app, DMW, or OWWA Regional office.
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 Nigeria?
The OWWA membership fee in Nigeria is US$25.00 converted to NGN 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?
OWWA membership becomes inactive if either the two-year validity has expired or you have 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.
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For more information on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
