For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) residing in Prague, Czech Republic, the process of renewing or applying for OWWA membership offers access to a wide range of programs, services, and support aimed at assisting both the OFWs and their families. Even if you obtained employment through visit visas, you have the option to voluntarily apply for OWWA membership to take advantage of the benefits and protection provided by OWWA. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Prague, Czechia | Secure Your OWWA Membership

Regardless of whether you are renewing your membership or applying for the first time, we have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the OWWA membership application process in Prague, Czech Republic.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency with the responsibility of promoting and safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their families. This agency collaborates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). They ensure that OFWs obtain legal employment and provide assistance to help improve their lives and support their families.

Moreover, OWWA membership serves as a protective measure for OFWs, offering legal assistance in cases of employer conflicts or various forms of mistreatment.

Registered OWWA members gain access to livelihood programs, loans, educational and training benefits, scholarships, as well as repatriation and reintegration programs. OWWA membership also acts as an insurance policy, providing OFWs with medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Therefore, it is highly encouraged for OFWs in the Czech Republic to activate their OWWA membership to fully enjoy these benefits

Requirements

Please take note that POLO Geneva no longer handles labor concerns in your area. As stated in their recent Facebook post, POLO Berlin is now responsible for managing labor concerns for OFWs in Prague, Czech Republic.

If you are an OFW in Prague and wish to apply for or renew your OWWA membership, please ensure that you comply with the following requirements:

Clear and duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet: Fill out the form with your personal details, including your signature and contact information. Provide your employer’s full name and address as well.
For AKAP applicants: Present your OWWA Membership or DOLE-AKAP application, along with your employer’s signature. Additionally, provide supporting evidence of your employment, such as an Employment Contract, Work Permit, or your latest payslip (if available). If you are unable to obtain your employer’s signature, you may submit a copy of the remittance receipt sent to your dependents in the Philippines.
For Non-AKAP applicants: Submit a copy of your employment contract or any other proof of income to support your application.
Clear copy of a valid Philippine passport: Provide a legible copy of your passport for verification purposes.
OWWA Membership fee: The membership fee is US$25.00. Please convert this amount to Euro based on the current foreign exchange rate. Take into account any bank or remittance fees that may apply.

Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents and comply with the requirements mentioned above when applying for or renewing your OWWA membership in Prague, Czech Republic. For further assistance or inquiries, you may contact POLO Berlin, the office responsible for labor concerns in your area.

Qualifications

In order to fulfill its mission of safeguarding and advancing the interests of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) implements certain criteria for membership eligibility. OWWA strives to provide its members with access to services, programs, and support that can enhance their careers and overall well-being. However, not all OFWs are eligible to become OWWA members, as specific requirements must be met.

OWWA mandates that its members must have active and continuous employment, and they should be considered “legal” or “documented” workers possessing valid work permits and visas. Moreover, OFWs who have acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries while retaining their Filipino citizenship and maintaining a full-time or permanent job are also qualified to join OWWA.

Conversely, individuals who do not meet the criteria of active and continuous employment are ineligible to apply for OWWA membership or renew their existing membership. This includes employees who fall into the following categories:

Those who are due for termination.
Those who have already been terminated.
Those who are due for cancellation.
Those whose employment has been canceled.
Those who have resigned.
Those who fall under the “No work, No pay” scheme.

It is important to note that OWWA membership is contingent upon meeting the specified employment criteria, as these requirements help ensure that the organization can effectively serve and support its members in accordance with its mandate.

Booking an OWWA Appointment in Prague, Czech Republic

it appears that POLO Berlin (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) is responsible for managing labor concerns for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Czech Republic, which includes OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership. The process for applying for OWWA membership remains the same.

However, it is mentioned that as of now, POLO Berlin does not have an online appointment system for OWWA membership applications. This implies that OFWs in the Czech Republic cannot schedule appointments online to visit the POLO Berlin office for their OWWA membership application.

Nevertheless, the good news is that OFWs in the Czech Republic can still apply for OWWA membership online. This suggests that they can complete the application process without physically visiting the POLO Berlin office. The specific details and steps for the online application process may vary, so it would be advisable for OFWs in the Czech Republic to consult the official POLO Berlin or OWWA channels to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on how to proceed with their OWWA membership application.

Applying for OWWA Membership in Prague, Czech Republic

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who wish to apply for or renew their OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership are required to submit a scanned clear copy of the necessary requirements to owwamemb@gmail.com. However, an alternative option is available for OFWs in the Czech Republic.

The Embassy also mentions that OFWs in the Czech Republic can utilize the OWWA Online Membership Registration, which allows for a paperless transaction. This online platform enables OFWs to conveniently apply for or renew their OWWA membership using their mobile phones. By following the steps below, OFWs can complete their membership application:

Visit the website https://membership.owwa.gov.ph/.
Provide the required Personal Information, Employment Details, and Legal Beneficiaries.
Upload copies of the following documents as proof of employment: Employment Contract, Work Permit/Visa, Certificate of Employment, and Payslip.
Upload a scanned copy of a valid Philippine passport.
Click on the “Submit Application” button.
Wait for a confirmation message via email or text regarding the status of your application.

By following these steps, OFWs in the Czech Republic can apply for or renew their OWWA membership conveniently and electronically, eliminating the need to submit scanned copies via email.

Paying OWWA Membership in Prague, Czech Republic

Once your application for OWWA membership from POLO Berlin is approved, you can proceed with paying the OWWA membership fee. The instructions for payment will be sent to your email. It is important to provide an active email address and save the transaction number provided in the first email sent by POLO Berlin.

However, it is crucial not to pay the OWWA membership fee until you receive an approval request regarding your application. Additionally, payments should be made individually and not as a group in order to obtain your official receipt.

If you need to update your employment details or passport number on your OWWA membership record, you should pay POLO Berlin through their DEUTSCHE BANK account. Please note that if you pay the membership fee through payment centers using the OWWA mobile app, you will not be able to update your details.

The OWWA membership fee may vary from time to time due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about the latest OWWA membership fee before making the payment.

To pay the OWWA membership fee, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Once you receive an email confirming the approval of your OWWA membership application, proceed with paying the OWWA membership fee.
Pay the OWWA membership fee using the DEUTSCHE BANK account of POLO Berlin. Alternatively, check your email for any additional instructions regarding payment.
Take a screenshot or photo of the confirmation indicating a successful payment of the OWWA membership fee.
Send the proof of payment to owwamemb@gmail.com.
Wait for an email from POLO Berlin containing a copy of your official OWWA membership receipt.
Contact POLO Berlin to schedule an appointment for claiming the original official receipt.

By following these steps, you can successfully complete the payment process for your OWWA membership and receive the necessary documentation from POLO Berlin.

Reminders with POLO Berlin

To successfully apply or renew your OWWA membership from POLO-Berlin, please take note of the following reminders:

The OWWA membership application is now available online for both new applicants and renewals at POLO Berlin. This means that OFWs do not need to visit the POLO office or send their requirements through email anymore.
Only make the payment for your OWWA membership once your application has been approved. Each applicant should process the payment individually.
To claim the official OWWA membership receipt, you need to visit the Philippine Embassy in Berlin. Please book an appointment with POLO for this purpose.
When visiting the POLO Berlin office or the Philippine Embassy, make sure to wear proper or smart casual attire. Entry will be prohibited if you are wearing sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, or slippers.
Prior to your visit, check the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered, or tested) implemented by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin. This rule ensures that individuals meet the necessary health requirements for entry.
Stay updated with the latest information by regularly checking the official website and Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in the Czech Republic and Berlin, Germany.

These guidelines will help you navigate the process of applying or renewing your OWWA membership through POLO-Berlin successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out the FAQs below for more information on OWWA membership application with POLO Berlin:

1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Prague, Czech Republic?

Since POLO Berlin has jurisdiction over OFWs in the Czech Republic, OFWs in this area don’t have to book an appointment and don’t have an online appointment system for the OWWA membership application.

2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Prague, Czech Republic?

To renew your OWWA membership in Prague, follow the application process of POLO Berlin.

3. How to renew OWWA membership online?

4. How much is OWWA membership in Prague, Czech Republic?

The OWWA membership is US$25.00 converted to Euro.

5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?

You can pay for the OWWA membership online if renewing your membership in-app.

6. How long is OWWA membership valid?

OWWA membership is valid for two years.

7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?

Your OWWA membership may be inactive if the two-year validity exceeds or if you changed employers.

8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?

OWWA membership is mandatory for OFWs who processed their employment at POEA.

9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?

Not all OFW are members of OWWA since there is a qualification criterion for the application.

10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?

OWWA benefits can be availed by active or registered OWWA members, while inactive members can only access limited benefits.

HOW TO CHECK OWWA MEMBERSHIP ONLINE?

For more details on OWWA membership,

The OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) has implemented a convenient way for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to check the status of their membership and perform various tasks related to their OWWA membership through a mobile app. By downloading and registering an account on the OWWA mobile app, OFWs can easily access their information and avail of services without the need for physical visits or paperwork.

The OWWA mobile app provides a user-friendly interface that allows OFWs to view and verify their membership status. They can check important details such as their membership validity, contribution payments, and other relevant information related to their OWWA membership. In addition to checking their status, OFWs can also conveniently renew their membership through the app.

By offering these features, the OWWA mobile app aims to streamline and simplify the processes associated with managing OWWA membership for OFWs. It eliminates the need for OFWs to personally visit OWWA offices or rely on other means of communication to inquire about their membership status or complete renewal procedures. The app puts the power of membership management directly into the hands of OFWs, allowing them to stay updated and take necessary actions with ease.

Summary

In conclusion, the OWWA membership offers numerous advantages to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, encompassing a wide range of programs including financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, educational support, and legal protection. Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Prague, Czechia | Secure Your OWWA Membership

Furthermore, OFWs based in the Czech Republic can conveniently renew or apply for their OWWA membership through the online application process available at POLO Berlin. This accessible method makes it easier for OFWs in the Czech Republic to keep their OWWA membership active and continue enjoying the associated benefits. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged for OFWs in the Czech Republic to maintain an active OWWA membership to take advantage of these valuable benefits.

Contact Details

Philippine Embassy – Prague, Czech Republic
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Senovazne Namesti 8 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Telephone Number: +42 (0) 22 421 6397
Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Website: https://praguepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinCzechRepublic/

POLO-OWWA Berlin, Germany
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin (Mitte), Germany
Telephone Number: +49 (0) 30 864 950 Local 301
For OWWA membership & welfare assistance: +49 1523 765 7614
Email: polo_germany@dole.gov.ph
Website: http://poloberlin.dole.gov.ph/, http://philippine-embassy.de/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinGermany

Schedule OWWA Appointment for Membership in Prague, Czechia | Secure Your OWWA Membership