Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Brazil

Requirements

“Since there is no designated POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) in Brazil, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Brazil to inquire about the requirements for OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership application. OFWs in Brazil can also refer to the following list of documentary requirements, which are similar to those required by the nearest POLO offices in Los Angeles and Washington:

1. Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet.
2. Photocopy of an active and valid proof of employment, which may include:
   • Valid visa and work permit.
   • Employment offer.
   • Latest payslip.
   • Certificate of Employment from the company or employer.
   • Company ID.
   • Other relevant employment documents.
3. Original and photocopy of the passport showing the data page.
4. OFWs must present a letter of certification from the employer or company, verifying that they are not on the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
5. OWWA membership fee of US$25.00, converted to BRL (Brazilian Real) based on the foreign exchange rate.

Please note that if OFWs are applying at POLO Washington, they should pay the OWWA membership fee directly to OWWA via non-cash payment methods such as a US Money Order or Bank Draft. The POLO office in Washington does not accept payment through personnel checks or credit/debit cards. Additionally, it is important to include a self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid return envelope for mail transactions with POLO Washington.”

Qualifications

Whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing your membership, there are qualification criteria that OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) need to meet in order to be eligible for membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

To qualify for OWWA membership, the applicant should have active and continuous employment with a valid work permit and visa. This means that individuals who are currently employed and have a job that is ongoing without interruption meet the qualification criteria. Additionally, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and still retain their Filipino citizenship while holding full-time or permanent jobs can also apply for OWWA membership.

However, it’s important to note that OWWA does not accept individuals who do not have an active and continuous job. Therefore, the following individuals are not qualified for OWWA membership:

1. Employees who are due for termination.
2. Employees who have been terminated from their jobs.
3. Employees whose work permits or visas are due for cancellation.
4. Employees whose work permits or visas have been canceled.
5. Employees who have resigned from their jobs.
6. Employees who are under the “No work, No pay” scheme, meaning they do not receive any compensation during periods of unemployment.

These individuals do not meet the requirement of having active and continuous employment, which is a prerequisite for OWWA membership.

Booking an OWWA Appointment in Brazil

As mentioned earlier, there is no designated Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Brazil. However, the Philippine Embassy in Brazil organizes Consular Outreach Missions and there are Philippine Consulate General (PCG) offices as well. Therefore, OFWs in Brazil are advised to get in touch with these offices regarding their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership application.

It is important to note that it is unclear whether the Philippine Embassy in Brazil provides labor-related services, including OWWA membership application, during their Consular Outreach Missions. In such cases, OFWs may consider reaching out to the nearest POLO offices in Los Angeles and Washington for assistance.

Please be aware that both POLO Los Angeles and POLO Washington do not have an online appointment system specifically for OWWA membership applications. These POLO offices conduct Consular Outreach Missions, which require appointments. For more detailed information, OFWs should directly contact the respective offices.

Additionally, OFWs in Brazil who are visiting the Philippines can schedule an appointment at any Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office to apply for or renew their OWWA membership.

Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It’s always recommended to verify the latest requirements and procedures by contacting the relevant authorities or checking official government websites.

Applying for OWWA membership in Brazil

“OFWs in Brazil who require labor-related services but find that the Philippine Embassy and PCG offices don’t process them can consider reaching out to POLO Washington. They offer OWWA membership applications through regular mail and email. However, we recommend contacting their office beforehand to inquire whether they can process OWWA membership applications for OFWs in Brazil.

In addition to the on-site application, OFWs in Brazil have the option to renew their OWWA membership using the OWWA mobile app. This method is convenient as it eliminates the need to book an appointment and visit the POLO offices. Simply download the OWWA mobile app on your device and proceed with the membership renewal within the app.”

Paying OWWA Membership in Brazil

Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding OWWA membership applications in Brazil, it is advisable to contact the relevant offices or visit the official OWWA website for the latest procedures and requirements.

Due to the limited details regarding OWWA membership applications in Brazil, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) should contact the relevant offices to determine the most applicable process in their area. It is also important to inquire with the associated offices regarding the latest requirements and if the procedures mentioned below still exist before applying. Here is a suggested step-by-step process for paying the OWWA membership fee:

1. Via Email (For POLO Washington):

• Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
• Complete and scan all the required documents.
• Email your documentary requirements to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
• If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to pay the OWWA membership fee via email.
• Take a screenshot of the OWWA membership fee payment receipt and send it to OWWA’s email to receive an email e-copy of your official receipt.
• Then, email OWWA to set an appointment for pick-up and claim your OWWA membership’s original official receipt.

2. Via On-Site Application/Consular Outreach Mission (For POLO Los Angeles & Washington):

• Contact POLO Los Angeles/Washington to confirm if an appointment is necessary or if walk-in applicants are accepted. For Consular Outreach Mission, book an appointment with POLO Los Angeles/Washington.
• Visit the POLO Los Angeles/Washington office or the designated location for the Consular Outreach Mission.
• Go to the OWWA counter and present your requirements for evaluation.
• If you are qualified, pay the OWWA membership fee.
• Then, claim your OWWA membership official receipt.

3. Via Regular Mail (For POLO Washington):

• Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
• Secure and photocopy all the required documents.
• Ensure that the documents are complete.
• Add a self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid return envelope.
• Mail your requirements to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.

4. Via OWWA Mobile App:

• Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
• Register an account and provide an active email address as it will be used to receive your temporary login details.
• Check your email and copy the login details.
• Return to the OWWA mobile app and enter the login details sent to your email.
• Once logged in, click the “Information” button at the lower tab.
• Check your membership status (active or inactive).
• If inactive, click “Renew Membership Here” and accept the Terms of Service.
• Double-check or update your employment details if necessary, then click “Submit.”
• On the LandBank payment portal page, select your preferred payment method from the available options.
• Copy the reference number and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
• Take a screenshot of your transaction or the provided electronic receipt for reference.

If the OWWA membership payment procedures are not applicable in Brazil, OFWs can also pay their contribution fee by booking an appointment at DMW (Division of Membership Welfare) offices in the Philippines during their vacation.

Again, please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It is advisable to contact the relevant offices or visit the official OWWA website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding OWWA membership applications and payment procedures in Brazil.

Reminders for OWWA Membership in Brazil