OWWA, or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is an institution under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that provides support, services, and programs to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Australia It is essential for OFWs to have an active OWWA membership in order to receive the benefits offered by the institution.

Whether your membership is expiring or you are not yet a member of OWWA, it is important to have an active membership to avail of the benefits. In addition, OFWs who have immediate family members working in Australia or South Pacific countries on irregular status may also apply for OWWA membership, provided they have valid working visas or have re-acquired Filipino citizenship as stated in Republic Act 9225.

The OWWA membership can be processed at POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Canberra or through Mobile Consular Missions. If you are in Australia and need to apply or renew your OWWA membership, you can follow the guide provided below for the OWWA appointment and membership process in Australia.

By being a member of OWWA, OFWs can access various government services and programs that aim to support their welfare and well-being while working abroad. These services include welfare assistance, education and training programs, livelihood support, repatriation assistance, and other forms of aid that can be beneficial to OFWs and their families.

Overview

OWWA, which stands for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is indeed an institution mandated to promote and protect the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families around the world. OWWA offers various benefits and services to its members, making it an essential support system for OFWs. Some of the key advantages of being an OWWA member include:

Education and Training: OWWA provides opportunities for OFWs and their dependents to access educational and training programs. This support aims to enhance their skills and qualifications, thereby increasing their employability and improving their long-term prospects.
Accident and Disability Benefits: In the unfortunate event of an accident or disability suffered by an OFW, OWWA offers financial assistance and benefits to help cover medical expenses and provide support during the recovery period.
Livelihood Assistance: OWWA assists OFWs who wish to start their own business or engage in livelihood projects upon their return to the Philippines. This support can include financial assistance, training, and guidance to help OFWs establish sustainable sources of income.
Financial Loans and Assistance: OWWA offers financial aid and loan programs to its members, allowing them to address urgent financial needs or invest in income-generating activities. These loans often come with favorable terms and conditions compared to regular commercial loans.
Life Insurance: OWWA provides life insurance coverage to its members, ensuring that their families will receive financial support in the event of their untimely demise while working overseas.
Repatriation and Reintegration Services: OWWA assists OFWs in cases of distress or emergencies abroad, coordinating repatriation efforts and providing necessary support during the process. Upon their return to the Philippines, OWWA also offers reintegration services to help OFWs reintegrate into the local community and find stable employment or business opportunities.
Legal Assistance: OWWA can mediate between OFWs and their employers in case of employment disputes or issues. They offer legal assistance and guidance to ensure that the rights and welfare of OFWs are protected.

By availing themselves of OWWA membership, OFWs can enjoy these benefits and services that cover various aspects of their well-being and that of their families. OWWA membership acts as a form of insurance policy, offering comprehensive support throughout the OFWs’ employment journey and beyond. Therefore, becoming an OWWA member can provide significant advantages and assistance to OFWs.

Requirements

To apply or renew your OWWA membership as an OFW in Australia, you need to secure the following requirements:

Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet: Fill out the necessary information on the OFW Information Sheet provided by OWWA.
Original and photocopy of passport: Include the data page of your passport, as well as the page showing your arrival and departure stamps.
Photocopy of Certificate of Employment, Employment Contract, or Latest Payslip: Submit a photocopy of any of these documents to prove your current employment status.
Proof of processed employment at POEA: If you have processed your employment through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), you can present the following documents to be exempt from paying the verification fee:
- Employment Contract duly stamped by POEA
- Overseas Employment Certificate
OWWA Certificate of Membership Coverage: If you have previously been an OWWA member, provide a copy of your Certificate of Membership Coverage.
Letter of certification from the employer or company: Obtain a letter from your employer or company, certifying that you are not on the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
Verification fee of A$18: Pay the verification fee of A$18. This fee may be waived if you can provide proof of processed employment at POEA (as mentioned in point 4).
OWWA membership fee of A$25.00: Pay the OWWA membership fee of A$25.00.
Pre-paid, self-addressed envelope: Prepare a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope to receive your OWWA membership documents.

Make sure to gather all the required documents and fees before proceeding with your application or renewal. It is recommended to contact the OWWA office in Australia or visit their official website for any updated information or additional requirements that may be needed.

Qualifications

OWWA, or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, aims to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world. However, there are certain qualification criteria that members must meet in order to renew or maintain their membership status. These criteria include:

Active and Continuous Employment: OWWA members and applicants should be actively and continuously working as “legal” or “documented” workers under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). They should have valid work permits and visas.
Permanent Residency Status: OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries, while maintaining their Filipino citizenship and engaging in full-time or permanent employment, can apply for or renew their OWWA membership.

On the other hand, certain individuals are not eligible to apply for or renew their OWWA membership due to the requirement of active and continuous employment. These individuals include:

Those Due for Termination: OFWs who are about to be terminated from their employment.
Terminated Workers: OFWs who have already been terminated from their employment.
Those Due for Cancellation: OFWs whose work contracts are about to be canceled.
Canceled Workers: OFWs whose work contracts have already been canceled.
Resigned Workers: OFWs who have voluntarily resigned from their employment.
No Work, No Pay: OFWs who are currently not employed and not receiving any wages or income.

It’s important to note that these eligibility criteria may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult the official guidelines and regulations of OWWA or seek assistance from their authorized representatives for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding membership renewal or application.

Booking an OWWA Appointment in Australia

As of now, an online appointment system for OWWA membership applications is not available in Australia. However, there is an appointment system for other services such as passports, visas, dual citizenship, reports of birth, and reports of marriage. For OWWA membership application or renewal, OFWs in Australia should book an appointment by emailing the POLO Canberra office. The Philippine Embassy in Canberra also conducts Mobile Consular Missions in different areas to provide services to OFWs who are not able to visit the embassy.

Step by step on how to set up an appointment for OWWA payment

While the OWWA membership application is not available through the online appointment system in Australia, OFWs can still book an appointment by following the steps below:

To book an appointment with OWWA Australia, you need to email the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Canberra office in Australia. The email address is poloaustralia@philembassy.org.au. In your email, you should verify your membership status and request to schedule an appointment for OWWA payment.
If you prefer to attend POLO Canberra Mobile Consular Missions, you can visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Australia at https://facebook.com/PHinAustralia. On this page, you should check for the schedule and location of the Mobile Consular Missions. The embassy may post links or details regarding the appointment booking process. Make sure to follow the instructions provided on the Facebook page.

By following these steps, you can book an appointment with OWWA in Australia and proceed with the necessary payment or other required processes.

Paying OWWA Membership in Australia

To pay the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership fee in Australia, please follow the steps below:

Schedule an appointment with POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Canberra, Australia office. You can contact them through their official channels to inquire about the available appointment dates and times. It’s important to secure an appointment before proceeding with the payment.
Compile the necessary requirements. Before your scheduled appointment, make sure you have the following documents and fees ready:
- Valid passport
- Valid work visa or work permit
- Accomplished OWWA membership form (you can download it from the official OWWA website)
- OWWA membership fee (amount may vary, so check the official OWWA website or contact POLO Canberra for the exact fee)
On the day of your scheduled appointment, visit the POLO Canberra office at the designated time. Ensure that you bring all the required documents and fees mentioned above.
During your visit, inform the POLO Canberra staff that you would like to pay the OWWA membership fee. They will guide you through the process and provide any additional instructions or forms that may be required.
Make the payment. Follow the instructions provided by the POLO Canberra staff to pay the OWWA membership fee. This typically involves submitting the accomplished membership form along with the payment. Accepted payment methods may vary, so it’s best to inquire about this beforehand.
Obtain a receipt or proof of payment. After successfully completing the payment, request a receipt or any other documentation that serves as proof of your OWWA membership fee payment. This will be important for future reference or any potential inquiries.

Remember to double-check the official OWWA and POLO Canberra websites or contact their office directly to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the payment process and requirements.

Step-by-step process of paying the OWWA membership

Visit the POLO Canberra, Australia office on the day of your appointment.
Head to the OWWA counter, submit your complete requirements and wait for the verification.
Next, pay the OWWA membership fee and other necessary fees, such as the verification fee.
Collect your official receipt, and you are now an active OWWA member.

Reminders during the Day of Appointment in POLO Canberra, Australia

Here are some reminders for OFWs applying for OWWA membership in Australia to ensure a successful application:

Accepted Payment Methods: The POLO Canberra, Australia does not accept bank transfer payments for the OWWA membership. You can make the payment in cash, money order, or manager’s check.
Mobile Consular Missions: If you are based away from POLO Canberra, Australia, it is recommended to check the official Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Australia. They often organize Mobile Consular Missions, which may include OWWA membership application services. Additionally, regularly check their website as they may introduce an online appointment system for OWWA membership applications in the future.
Complete Requirements: Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and forms completed before your appointment. If any requirements are missing or incomplete, your application may not be processed by the officer in charge.
Appointment Confirmation: Once you have secured an appointment with POLO Canberra, Australia, make a copy of the appointment confirmation and bring it with you on the day of your visit. This will serve as proof of your scheduled appointment.
Dress Code: When visiting the POLO Canberra, Australia office, make sure to dress appropriately in proper or smart casual attire. Sleeveless or tank tops, sando (undershirts), shorts, miniskirts, and slippers are strictly prohibited. It is important to present yourself in a professional manner during your visit.

Remember to follow these reminders to ensure a smooth and successful OWWA membership application process in Australia.

OWWA Membership in Australia

For more details on OWWA membership,

OWWA, which stands for Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is an agency in the Philippines that provides assistance and support to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It offers various services and programs to address the needs of OFWs, particularly in challenging situations such as losing their job, including those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To cater to the changing needs of OFWs and provide convenient access to its services, OWWA has developed a mobile app. Through this app, OFWs can easily renew their OWWA membership by creating an account. Once they have successfully logged into their account, they can proceed to apply for or renew their OWWA membership.

The OWWA mobile app provides different payment methods to choose from, allowing OFWs to select the most convenient option for them. This flexibility in payment methods ensures that OFWs, regardless of their location in the world, can maintain an active membership with OWWA.

By utilizing the OWWA mobile app, OFWs can enjoy the convenience of accessing OWWA services anytime and anywhere. They can stay connected with the agency and avail themselves of the necessary support and assistance, especially during these challenging times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Australia?

There is no online appointment system for OWWA membership applications in Australia now. However, OFW needs to book an appointment at the POLO Canberra, Australia office email.

2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Australia?

You can renew your OWWA membership by visiting the POLO Canberra office. On the other hand, if you’re based away from Canberra, you can renew your membership through the Mobile Consular Missions, conducted across Australia. So it is better to check their Facebook page for the upcoming schedule.

3. How to renew OWWA membership online?

You can renew your membership online using the OWWA mobile app. Then, proceed to your account or create one if you don’t have one. Afterward, click Renew Membership Here and select your preferred payment method.

4. How much is OWWA membership in Australia?

The OWWA membership fee in Australia is A$25.00.

5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?

Yes, you can pay the OWWA membership fee online. You only need to renew your membership through the OWWA mobile app and choose an online bank or e-wallet to pay the membership fee. In addition, you can ask your relatives in the Philippines to pay the membership fee at the nearest OWWA Regional office or payment centers if you’re not in the Philippines.

6. How long is OWWA membership valid?

The OWWA membership is only valid for two years and will last on the date of the application.

7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?

Your OWWA membership will be inactive if you have exceeded the two-year validity. Another reason your OWWA membership becomes inactive is if your work visa has expired or you switch to work for a new employer. Considering that the OWWA membership only has two-year validity, if an individual switches to work for a new employer, it can result in inactive membership status.

8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?

Yes, becoming an OWWA member is mandatory for OFWs who have processed their employment under POEA.

9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?

No, not all OFWs are members of OWWA. Since OWWA has required documents and qualification criteria, if an individual cannot meet the conditions, they cannot become an OWWA. Thus, not all OFWs can become members of OWWA unless they meet the stated requirements above.

10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?

The benefits provided by OWWA are available to their “registered” or “active members” and their legal dependents.

Summary

“In summary, the OWWA appointment and membership process in Australia is highly accessible. Additionally, OFWs in Australia can conveniently access services through the POLO Canberra and Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Missions in their vicinity.Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Australia

Therefore, we recommend that OFWs in the region regularly check the Facebook page and website for updates on the latest application procedures, as well as the dates and locations of the Mobile Consular Missions.”

Contact Details

POLO-OWWA Canberra, Australia
Operating Hours: 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone Number: +61 262732535 / 36
Email: poloaustralia@philembassy.org.au, cbrpe@philembassy.org.au
Website: https://www.philembassy.org.au/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHinAustralia

Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Australia