Whether you’re renewing or applying for OWWA membership in the Bahamas, we got you covered. We’ve created an in-depth guide for OWWA membership, from the documentary requirements to the application processes for OFWs in the Bahamas. In addition, we included the contact details of relevant offices you can reach out to for inquiries and assistance. So read on to find out how to process OWWA membership in the Bahamas.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency established in 1977, aiming to promote the welfare and protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. This agency is also attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), funded by the contribution of OFWs and their employers.
Moreover, the OWWA membership program offered by the agency includes assistance and services to OFWs and their dependents, such as scholarships, educational training, and livelihood. OWWA also helps distressed OFWs through financial and legal aid and acts as insurance, providing its members with medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial benefits. Thus, OFWs in the Bahamas should renew their OWWA membership or apply voluntarily to access varying benefits.
Contents
Requirements
According to the official website of POLO Washington DC, here are the primary documentary requirements for OWWA membership that OFWs in the Bahamas should comply with:
- Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
- Original and copy of valid Philippine passport (showing data page)
- Copy of the Employment Contract or any of the following proof of employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of latest payslip
- Work or residence permit
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad
- OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00 converted to BSD based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
Considering the varying benefits OWWA offers, many OFWs wish to apply as OWWA members. Nonetheless, not all are qualified for membership due to the qualification criteria imposed by OWWA. The agency requires its members to have active and continuous work and should be “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas.
Furthermore, the agency accepts as members OFWs who have acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries. But they should retain their Filipino citizenship with full-time or permanent employment. On the contrary, OFWs who don’t meet the agency’s qualification criteria are not eligible to apply for or renew their OWWA membership, including employees:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- Under the “No work, No pay” scheme
Booking an OWWA Appointment in the Bahamas
As of writing, there is no online appointment system in the Bahamas for OWWA membership. The Bahamas also doesn’t have a designated POLO. But it’s under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC. There is also a Philippine Honorary Consulate in the Bahamas. Thus, OFWs in the Bahamas may contact these offices for more information on OWWA membership.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC also conduct a Consular Outreach Mission in the Bahamas, which may require an appointment. So OFWs in the Bahamas may contact their offices for an appointment and the upcoming schedule of the Consular Outreach Mission. OFWs vacationing in the Philippines may also book an appointment with DMW or OWWA Regional office to process their OWWA membership.
Applying for OWWA membership in the Bahamas
Based on the available information online, OFWs in the Bahamas may process their OWWA membership through Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC. Additionally, POLO Washington process OWWA membership through email and regular mail.
Note that we advise you to verify if these processes exist and apply to OFWs in the Bahamas. Another way to process OWWA membership on-site is with DMW or OWWA Regional office, applicable to OFWs vacationing in the Philippines. But the most convenient way to process OWWA membership is online through OWWA mobile app.
Paying OWWA Membership in the Bahamas
Since POLO Washington DC has jurisdiction over the Bahamas, OFWs may pay the OWWA membership fee during the Consular Outreach Mission if qualified. For those processing their OWWA membership via email and regular mail, follow POLO Washington DC payment instructions. In addition, OFWs vacationing in the Philippines can pay the OWWA membership fee on-site at DMW or OWWA Regional office.
But if you’re looking for more payment options, renew your OWWA membership through OWWA mobile app. With this app, you can pay the OWWA membership fee via an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. You can also ask your relatives to pay the contribution fee by providing them with the reference number generated in the app.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via Email (POLO Washington DC)
- Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Complete and scan the requirements.
- Email your requirements to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
- If verified, follow the instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee sent to your email.
- Take a screenshot of the OWWA membership fee payment receipt, and send it to OWWA’s email.
- Then, you’ll receive an email e-copy of your official receipt.
- To claim the original official receipt, email OWWA before your visit to set an appointment for pick-up.
Via Regular Mail (POLO Washington DC)
- Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Secure and photocopy the requirements.
- Ensure that the documents are complete.
- Include self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid on the return envelope.
- Mail your requirements to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.
Via Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy & POLO Washington DC)
- Contact the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC.
- Book an appointment for OWWA membership.
- Print or take a screenshot of the confirmed appointment schedule sent to your email.
- Complete the documentary requirements for application.
- Head to the designated site for the Consular Outreach Mission in the Bahamas
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and claim the official receipt of your payment.
Via OWWA mobile app
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
- Register an account. Also, provide an active email as it’s where you’ll 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 you’ve logged in to your account, click the Information button at the lower tab.
- Next, you’ll see your membership status, if 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, click Payment Option and choose your preferred payment method.
- Copy the Reference Number and follow the payment instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Then, take a screenshot of your transaction or the provided electronic receipt.
Reminders for OWWA Membership in the Bahamas
If you’re renewing or applying for OWWA membership in the Bahamas, please take note of the following reminders:
- As of writing, there is no designated POLO in the Bahamas. It’s under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC.
- OFWs in the Bahamas may process their OWWA membership through email, regular mail, OWWA mobile app, Consular Outreach Mission, DMW, or OWWA Regional office.
- OFWs visiting the Embassy or any government office should wear proper attire. Applicants wearing strictly prohibited outfits, including sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers, cannot enter the premise.
- OFWs processing OWWA membership on-site should bring proof of confirmed appointment schedule, a Covid-19 vaccination card, or a Negative RT-PCR test took 48 hours from the visit.
- We advise OFWs to contact the Philippine Honorary Consulate in the Bahamas, their agency, and the Philippine Embassy and POLO Washington DC for assistance and inquiries on OWWA membership. Also, check out their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in the Bahamas?
As of writing, the Bahamas doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in the Bahamas?
You may renew your OWWA membership in the Bahamas through email, regular mail, Consular Outreach Mission, OWWA mobile app, DMW, or OWWA Regional office.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
Download and register an account on OWWA mobile app to renew your OWWA membership online.
4. How much is OWWA membership in the Bahamas?
The OWWA membership fee in the Bahamas is US$25.00 converted to BSD based on the foreign exchange rate.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
You can pay for the OWWA membership online on OWWA mobile app via an online bank or e-wallet.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
OWWA membership is valid for two years.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
The OWWA membership becomes inactive if the two-year validity has passed or you’ve changed employers.
8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
OWWA membership is mandatory if processing employment at DMW.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
Not all OFW since OWWA has since OWWA has qualification criteria applicants should meet.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
OWWA benefits are available to active members, while inactive members can only access limited benefits.
Video: How to renew your OWWA membership online!! Step by step| OFW guide
For more details on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs can check if their agency paid their OWWA membership by downloading the OWWA mobile app. Create and sign up for an account. Once logged in, click Profile to check if your OWWA membership is active or inactive.
Summary
In summary, ensuring an active OWWA membership will benefit OFWs and their families in the long run, especially in times of difficulty. The OWWA membership is also helpful for OFWs with dependents studying since the agency provides educational and scholarship programs. So if you’re not yet an OWWA member or have an inactive membership status, process your OWWA membership now.
Contact Details
Philippine Honorary Consulate in The Bahamas
Address: Nassau Medical Center, Carmichael Road West, Nassau, The Bahamas
Telephone Number: (+1 242) 558 2838
Email: philippineconsulatebahamas@gmail.com
Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday
Address: Main Chancery Building, Bataan Street corner 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC, 20036
Website: https://philippineembassy-dc.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA/
Email: consular@phembassy-us.org, atn@phembassy-us.org
Telephone Number: 202 467 9300, 202 467 9363″
Fax Number: 202 328 7614
POLO-OWWA Washington DC, USA
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday (except holidays)
Address: 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington DC, 20036
Website: https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/POLO-Washington-DC-1730811803835481, https://web.facebook.com/polo.wdc.
Email: laborofficewdc@gmail.com, wdcpolousa@gmail.com, washington@owwa.gov.ph
Telephone Numbers: +1 (202)-467-9426