The Overseas Workers Welfre Administration has been established to promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents. It is present in all three stages of migration: pre-departure, on-site, and upon arrival.
The agency provides assistance to all its members in all its regional and overseas offices. Services on-site include:
1. Providing information and guidance;
2. Psycho-social counseling and conciliation services;
3. Legal assistance, outreach missions, and training, among others
How to be an OWWA member?
The OWWA is a membership institution. For a AED92 membership contribution, an OWWA member is entitled to various benefits and services. One can be a member by:
1. Enrollment upon processing of contract at the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA); or
2. Voluntary registration of a would-be member at job sites overseas
Effectivity
The membership shall be effective upon payment of membership contribution up until the expiration of the employment contract. The member is covered for a maximum of two years after which the membership has to be renewed.
OWWA’s social benefits
Death Benefit
An active member is covered for the duration of his employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000 for death due to natural cause and P200,000 for death due to accident.
Disability and Dismemberment Benefit
A member is entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits of P50,000 for partial disability and P100,000 in case of total permanent disability.
Burial Benefit
On top of the death benefit, a rider of P20,000 will be received by legal heirs for the funeral expenses.
OWWA’s educational programs
An OWWA member may avail for himself/herself or his/her duly designated beneficiary any of the following scholarship programs, subject to a selection process and accreditation of participating institutions:
1. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). The Education for Development Scholarship Program is an educational assistance offered to qualified dependents/beneficiaries of member-OFWs. The scholarship consists of a maximum of PhP 60,000.00 per school year leading to a four-to-five year baccalaureate course in any college or university.
2. OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW DSP). Educational assistance consisting of a maximum of PhP 20,000.00 per school year leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university for dependents whose active OFW-member parents receive a monthly salary of not more than USD 400.00.
3. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)
The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program is an educational training assistance where OFWs or their dependents can enhance their vocational and technical skills. It consists of a maximum of PhP 14,500.00 per course in any TESDA-accredited school.
4. Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)
The Seafarers’ Upgrading Program is designed to upgrade the skills and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers. First availment consists of a maximum of Php7, 500.00 training assistance. Availment in another training course is every after three (3) recorded membership.
5. Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)
Education assistance for survivors of a deceased OFW consisting of PhP5,000.00 for elementary, PhP 8,000.00 for high school and Php10,000.00 for college per school year and livelihood assistance amounting to Php 15,000.00 is given to the surviving spouse.
Requirements for OWWA membership and renewal in Dubai
1. Book an appointment at http://www.polodubaiportal.org/appointments/
2. Original passport
3. POLO verified contract
4. Visa validity should be more than 90 days and OFW must be actively and continuously working. OFW must present a certification from the company/employer stating that he/she is not included in the list of employees due for termination/terminated/canceled/resigned. Please see the sample certificate here.
5. Personal appearance only.
6. Pay an exact amount of AED92 only.
OFWs not qualified to OWWA membership:
1. For termination
2. Terminated
3. For cancelation
4. Canceled
5. Resigned
6. No work, no pay
For Abu Dhabi, please click here.
