The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) is a government agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that is responsible for enforcing policies and programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Please note that all POLO offices have been renamed as Migrant Workers’ Office (MWO) offices.

The MWO POLO-OWWA Offices Overseas aim to protect the rights of Filipinos working abroad and provide assistance with their welfare. These offices offer support in various areas, including legal, social, medical, and financial needs of OFWs.

If you are currently in the Philippines, you can visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office in your province for assistance.

Internationally, there are several MWO branches located in different countries to serve OFWs. These offices offer various services, including providing information on labor laws, facilitating emergency loans through Land Bank Philippines, assisting with passport applications and travel permits, helping with other necessary employment documents, facilitating insurance premium payments and benefits for death, sickness, disability, or retirement, reimbursing visa application fees or airport tax for returning OFWs who have stayed abroad for at least one year, and advocating for the interests of Filipino workers through their respective embassies.

To find the nearest MWO office in your country of work, please refer to the directory guide provided below.

List of Philippine Overseas Labor Branches Abriad

If there is no POLO-OWWA (Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) office in the country or city where you are currently based, it is recommended to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General office for assistance.

The Philippine Embassy and Consulate General offices serve as official representations of the Philippine government in foreign countries. They provide consular services and support to Filipino nationals living or working abroad.

When you reach out to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General office, they can assist you with various matters, including labor-related concerns, welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and other consular services such as passport applications, visa inquiries, and notarial services.

It is important to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General office to ensure that you receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation and location. They will guide you on the necessary steps to take and provide the assistance you need.

Please note that the availability of services and specific procedures may vary between different diplomatic missions, so it is advisable to contact them directly or visit their official websites for more information.

POLO OWWA Brunei

Welfare Officer: Anuar A. Ampang
Administrative Staff: Katrina A. Del Valle
Address: Simpang 336-17, Diplomatic Enclave, Kampong Kianggeh Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Contact Number: T: POLO (006732) 2237052; Hotline: (00673) 7291316, T: OWWA (00673) 2225526; Hotline: (00673) 7291315
Email: E: brunei@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Hongkong – SAR

Welfare Officer: Virsie B. Tamayao
Administrative Staff: Dioanne E. Arlan, Rhona Z. Fahigal
Address: 2902 29/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway Admiralty Hongkong-China
Contact Number: POLO (00852) 28664882 / 28238567; Hotline: (00852) 55291880, OWWA (00852) 34604335; Hotline: (00852) 63459324
Email:hongkong@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Japan – Tokyo

Welfare Officer: Amy B. Crisostomo
Administrative Staff: Christelyn R. Caceres
Address: 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-8537 Japan
Contact Number: POLO (00813) 64410428 / 64410478, OWWA (00813) 64410959; Hotline (00813) 64410959
Email: japan@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Japan – Osaka

Officers: (Welfare Officer)Pilipina C. Dino, (Administrative Staff) Luisito A. Bianzon
Address: 7 th floor Urban Center Midosuji, 4-3-5 Awaji-Machi, Ch0u-ku, Osaka, Japan
Contact Number: POLO (0081) 665 757 593, OWWA (008170) 24474016
Email: osaka@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Macau – SAR

Welfare Officer: Zosima Maria P. Santos
Administrative Staff: Brenda D. Olinares
Address: Unit 1406, 14/F AIA Tower, 251-A 301, Avenida Commercial de Macau, Macau-Special Administrative Region
Contact Number: Hotline: (00853) 66872509
Email: macau@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Malaysia

Welfare Officer: Leonor C. Mabagal
Administrative Staff: Jed C. Dela Cerna, Brenda S. Salazar
Address: POLO MWOFRC: No. 95 Jalan Perkasa, Taman Maluri, Cheras 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact Number: POLO (603) 2148-4233 loc 122 / 21817299, OWWA (603) 9202 3756; Hotline: (0060) 197326516, +60173687858 / +60192501490 / +60147206418
Email: malaysia@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Singapore

Welfare Officer: Marivic C. Clarin
Address: 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395
Contact Number: POLO (0065) 65060546 ext 134 & 135, POLO +6581863459, OWWA (0065) 69514001 ext 107, +65 9023 5601 / +65 9457 4001 / +65 8422 1090 / +65 8161 4614 / +65 9785 4390
Email: singapore@owwa.gov.ph, owwasingapore15@yahoo.com

POLO OWWA South Korea

Welfare Officer: Aniceta G. Deuna
Administrative Staff: Marivic A. Digma
Address: 2nd Flr 5-19 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Contact Number: POLO (00822) 37853634 / 37853635; Hotline (008210) 45736290, OWWA (008210) 7358-5841
Email: southkorea@owwa.gov.ph

MECO Taiwan – Kaohsiung

Welfare Officer: Eduardo Y. Mendoza, Jr.
Address: 9F-3, No. 80 Grand 50 Tower. Min Tzu 1st Road, San Min District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Contact Number: (008867) 3982475 , 3987078; Hotline: (00886) 988976596
Email: kaohsiung@owwa.gov.ph

MECO Taiwan – Taichung

Welfare Officer: Rosario C. Burayag
Administrative Staff: Atty. Janell P. Serrano
Address: 20F, No. 220 Longbang Building (Building B) Sec. 2, Taiwan Boulevard, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan
Contact Number: POLO (008864) 23029089, OWWA (008864) 23029093
Email: taichung@owwa.gov.ph

MECO Taiwan – Taipei

Welfare Officer: Dayang Dayang Sittie G. Jaafar
Administrative Staff: Ian Aguilar
Address: 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Contact Number: (008862) 26588299; Hotline (00886) 932218057
Email: taipei@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Bahrain

Welfare Officer: Redina C. Manalapaz
Administrative Staff: Aprila C. Bisquera
Address: Villa No. 939, Road 3220, Block 334, Mahooz, Manama, Bahrain
Contact Number: POLO (00973) 17740951, 17740139 (MWOFRC), OWWA (00973) 17721908; Hotline: (00973) 34673268 / 37214911
Email: bahrain@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Israel

Welfare Officer: Dina C. Ponciano
Administrative Staff: Antonio M. Sanchez Jr.
Address: 18 Rehov Bnei Dan Street 62260, Tel Aviv, Israel
Contact Number: POLO (009723) 5444531 / 6010517 / 6010521, OWWA (009723) 6022469; Hotline: (00972) 507691533 / (00972) 507691533
Email: israel@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Jordan

Welfare Officer: Berna P. Del Castillo
Administrative Staff: Rosalin Lavin
Address: 113, Kaled Yassin AI Tahone St., AI Manadr Building, Wadi Alseer Hay AI-Diyar, Dhei Ghabar, Amman, Jordan
Contact Number: (009626) 5350169 / (009626) 5930464 / (009626) 5930385
Email: jordan@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia -Al Khobar (CRO)

Welfare Officer: Yolanda U. Penaranda, Amelito S. Adel,
Administrative Staff: Rocelda Galeria, Jeffrey B. Signo
Address: 3627 Makkah Al Mukarramah Branch Road, Al Mutamarat, Riyadh 12711 8103
Contact Number: 0545664964
Email: alkhobar@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah

Welfare Officer: James B. Mendiola, Marlyn E. Jamero, Habib G. Malik
Administrative Staff: Juvelyn C. Idul, Raymund K. Leonor, Laureen Musa
Address: 4663 Al-Fajr St., Al-Rehab District 6, Jeddah 21412 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Contact Number: (009665) 573084431; Hotline: 0544737797 / 0545712323 / 0569290184
Email: jeddah@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Riyadh and Unaizah (CRO)

Welfare Officer: Racquel L. Llagas-Kunting, Levin Reynald Gabutan
Administrative Staff: Neomi M. Tañag, Austin V. Bade, Zandro R. Almendarala, Eric Val T. Miranda, Bernard John C. Bonnet
Address: 3627 Makkah Al Mukarramah Branch Road, Al Mutamarat, Riyadh 12711 8103
Contact Number: (00966) 502850944 / 570042744
Email: riyadh@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Kuwait

Welfare Officer: Aniceta G. Deuna
Administrative Staff: Marivic A. Digma
Address: Block 3 St. 304 Building 133, Sabah Al Salim, Kuwait
Contact Number: POLO +96594039063, OWWA +96594039063
Email: kuwait@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Lebanon

Welfare Officer: Mary Catherine O. Pastor
Administrative Staff: Maria Luisa S. Eddun
Address: W Building, Rue Mar Geries, Haddath Baabda, Mount Lebanon, Republic of Lebanon
Contact Number: 0096171418657
Email: lebanon@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Oman

Welfare Officer: Aurea E. Rivero
Address: Shatti Al-Qurum, P.O Box 420, Postal Code 115, Madinat, Qaboos, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Contact Number: POLO (00968) 2460 96917 / (00968) 24605177; Hotline: (00968) 93557931, WWA Hotline: (00968) 79905211
Email: oman@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Qatar

Welfare Officer: Evelyn C. Laranang, Maribel C. Carisusa
Administrative Staff: Gregoria T. Lim, Frederick G. Dizon
Address: Al Furat corner AL Qaisoum Streets, Zone 66, Onaiza Area, Al Dafna, Doha, State of Qatar
Contact Number: (00974) 44868001 / 44861220 / 44884485 Hotline: (00974) 77756733
Email: qatar@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi

Welfare Officer: Julian F. Fabian
Administrative Staff: Mercedes Ilano, Romyl Cabillo, Chona D. Balangon, Christopher Jim Torres, Martina R. Muli
Address: W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot No. 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Contact Number: POLO (009712) 6390024 / 6582889 /6390023, OWWA (009715) 62721578, (009712) 6390025
Email: abudhabi@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA United Arab Emirates – Dubai

Welfare Officer: Melvin D. Caseda
Administrative Staff: Yolanda H. Fabre
Address: No. 35A Beruit St., Community 234, Al Qusais 3, P.O Box 4960. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact Number: (009714) 2207011; Hotline: (00971) 505585536, (00971) 545682946 / 502274963 / 505106170
Email: dubai@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Canada – Toronto

Welfare Officer: Maria Lourdes V. Reyes
Administrative Staff: Marisol V. Ebron
Address: 160 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5, Canada
Contact Number: POLO (1416) 9758252
Email: toronto@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Canada – Vancouver

Welfare Officer: Lilia F. De Guzman
Administrative Staff: Lorraine B. Raymundo
Address: Suite 601, World Trade Center Office Complex, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3E1
Contact Number: POLO (1604) 641-1234
Email: vancouver@owwa.gov.ph

POLO OWWA Greece

Welfare Officer: Marivic L. Mondina
Administrative Staff: Gemma G. Dio
Address: 10 Fthotidos St., 11523 Ambelokipi, Athens Greece
Contact Number: +210 6982871; Hotline: +30 6943278819
Email: greece@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA Italy – Milan

Administrative Staff: Giovanni B. Docusin
Address: Viale Stelvio 71-Via Bernina 18, 20159 Milan, Italy
Contact Number: POLO Hotline: +39 3756572333, OWWA Hotline: +39 3756762592
Email: milan@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA Italy – Rome

Welfare Officer: Norlita P. Lugtu
Administrative Staff: Anna Jhenalyn C. Sangga
Address: Vialle Delle Medaglie D’ Oro 112-114, 00136 Rome, Italy
Contact Number: (003906) 39746101; (003906) 39740872, (003906) 39746621 local 205; 216; 226
Email: rome@@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA Spain

Welfare Officer: Maria Corazon Sangco
Address: Calle Serrano 161, 2B 28009, Madrid, Spain
Contact Number: POLO (0034) 915776755, OWWA (0034) 917818626; Hotline: (0034) 697058728
Email: spain@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA United Kingdom

Welfare Officer: Sheila Mae J. Aguilar
Address: 6 Suffolk St., London, SW1Y 4HG
Contact Number: POLO (0044207) 4511832; (0044207) 8398039; (44207) 4511833, OWWA (0044207) 8398078; (0044207) 4511832; Hotline: (0044) 7823627119
Email: london@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA Germany

Welfare Officer: Sylvia H. Gabriel
Address: Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Contact Number: +49152237657614 / +490308649500 local 303
Email: berlin@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA USA

Administrative Staff: Meriam T. Nicolas
Address: 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, United State of America
Contact Number: 0012024679413
Email: washington@owwa.gov.ph

POLO-OWWA New Zealand

Welfare Officer: Sylvia Tolentino
Address: Level 1, 286 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington, New Zealand 6011
Contact Number: +6442601161
Email: wellington@owwa.gov.ph

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions and answers about the POLO-OWWA offices:

1. What is POLO-OWWA?

POLO-OWWA stands for the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. It is a governmental department under the Department of Labor and Employment that is responsible for overseeing policies and programs related to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The primary role of the POLO office is to ensure the protection and welfare of Filipinos working abroad. They provide assistance to Filipino migrant workers in various areas such as protection, advocacy, social welfare, education, employment opportunities abroad, and addressing emergency needs back in the Philippines.

The POLO office works closely with the host countries’ labor and government agencies to ensure that the rights and welfare of OFWs are upheld. They provide support and guidance to Filipino workers, addressing their concerns, and helping them navigate the challenges they may face while working overseas.

Some of the specific services offered by POLO-OWWA include:

Assistance with employment contracts: POLO helps OFWs by reviewing and verifying employment contracts to ensure they comply with Philippine labor laws and provide fair terms and conditions.
Welfare support: POLO-OWWA provides social welfare programs and services for OFWs and their families. This includes financial assistance, education and training programs, legal assistance, and access to healthcare services.
Labor market information: POLO provides information on job opportunities abroad, including legal and reputable recruitment agencies. They also offer pre-employment orientation seminars to prepare OFWs for overseas employment.
Emergency assistance: In times of crisis or emergencies, such as natural disasters or conflicts, POLO-OWWA facilitates the repatriation of distressed OFWs and provides them with necessary support and assistance.
Grievance handling and dispute resolution: POLO assists OFWs in resolving work-related issues and disputes with their employers through mediation and conciliation services.

2. What does the acronym POLO-OWWA stand for?

POLO and OWWA are two separate offices that collaborate closely with each other. POLO stands for Philippine Overseas Labor Office, while OWWA stands for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

3. Is there a POLO-OWWA office in my country/city?

Different countries/cities have different POLO-OWWA offices. The directory of existing POLO-OWWA offices is listed above in this article.

4. How can I get assistance from them if they don’t have an office in my country/city?

Contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General office in your country/city.

5. Are there other Philippine government offices overseas that cater to Filipino workers as the POLO-OWWA does?

The key difference between POLO-OWWA and other Philippine government offices abroad is that POLO-OWWA provides services specifically related to labor matters, while Embassy or Consulate addresses mainly cater to consular affairs for Filipinos in their jurisdiction.

POLO-OWWA has a dedicated staff that can assist with various labor-related issues such as certifying documents, addressing visa requirements for OCWs (overseas contract workers), providing repatriation assistance, and conducting labor intelligence and investigations. These services are not typically offered by Embassies or Consulates.

On the other hand, the primary role of Diplomatic and Consular Officers at Philippine Embassies or Consulates is to represent the policies and interests of the Philippines in a foreign country. They act as representatives of the Philippine authorities back home, and their focus is mainly on diplomatic functions rather than labor-related services.

It is important to note that while both POLO-OWWA and Philippine Embassies/Consulates play significant roles in assisting Filipinos abroad, their specific mandates and areas of expertise differ.

6. Does OWWA membership automatically renew upon expiration?

The OWWA membership does not renew automatically, so it is essential to ensure that you renew your OWWA membership every two years to fully enjoy the benefits of this insurance program as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)

7. What are the services of the POLO-OWWA?

The overseas labor offices are establishments that offer information and support to Filipino workers who are residing or working abroad. These offices also provide various services aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Some of the services include protection, mediation, settlement, and other relevant forms of assistance for OFWs.

8. How do I register as an OFW for OWWA?

To complete your registration as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), you will need to pay a registration fee. It is recommended to seek assistance from your Embassy or Consulate, as they can provide you with detailed information about the registration process. The fee for OWWA membership is USD 25, and it is valid for a period of 2 years.

To register or renew your OWWA membership, you have two options. Firstly, you can inquire about the registration procedure at the nearest POLO-OWWA office. They will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary forms and information.

Alternatively, you can utilize the OWWA mobile application to renew your membership. This convenient option allows you to complete the registration process using your mobile device. The mobile application provides step-by-step instructions and a user-friendly interface to make the process smoother.

Remember to communicate in English when interacting with the relevant authorities, as it will ensure effective communication and understanding between all parties involved.

9. Can I process my OWWA membership dues after registering as an OFW?

If you don’t have an OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership, it is highly recommended to activate it as soon as possible. By having an active membership, you can avail yourself of various benefits and programs offered exclusively to OWWA members during times of crisis.

OWWA provides support and assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. Joining OWWA ensures that you can access crucial services and assistance in case of emergencies or challenging situations. Some of the benefits and programs available to OWWA members include:

Welfare assistance: OWWA offers financial and livelihood assistance to members and their families during times of need. This support can be vital in emergencies such as repatriation, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Skills training and development: OWWA provides access to various skills training programs, seminars, and workshops designed to enhance the professional and personal development of its members. These training opportunities can help improve your skills, increase your employability, and open up new career options.
Education and scholarship programs: OWWA offers educational assistance and scholarships to eligible dependents of its members. This benefit ensures that your children or dependents have access to quality education and helps alleviate the financial burden associated with schooling.
Social and cultural services: OWWA organizes social and cultural activities to promote the well-being and camaraderie among its members. These events provide opportunities to network, build connections, and foster a sense of community among OFWs.
Repatriation and reintegration support: In the case of repatriation, OWWA provides assistance to returning OFWs, helping them with reintegration into the local community and job placement services. This support aims to ease the transition back to the Philippines and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Having an active OWWA membership ensures that you can access these benefits and programs whenever the need arises. It is essential to activate your membership as early as possible to avail yourself of these services and ensure your well-being and that of your family during challenging times.

Summary

The aforementioned list provides the locations, contact numbers, and details of existing POLO-OWWA offices. As a Filipino working abroad, it is important to be aware of these offices as they can serve as a valuable resource in case you get separated from fellow Filipinos or if they encounter any troubles. These offices are committed to providing immediate assistance in any situation.

During times of crisis, emergencies, or when you require assistance, you can reach out to the officers stationed at these POLO-OWWA offices for help. It is crucial to remember that these officers are well-prepared for such situations and are dedicated to assisting you, as they understand the challenges you might be facing