Whether you came to Doha on a visit visa and found a job here or left the Philippines as a documented worker, it is necessary to become an active member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Please follow the guidelines we’ve outlined below on how you can set up an appointment for OWWA renewal and how you can pay for the membership at the POLO office in Doha, Qatar.
Also Read: OWWA Programs Benefits Services for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
In order to go to the POLO-OWWA Doha office, you first need to have an appointment. You cannot enter the building or inquire about the programs and services unless you book a schedule online.
POLO Qatar has an online booking service where you can schedule an appointment. Visit the portal at https://booking.polodoha.com/. Log in and choose among the available schedules from the calendar.
Contents
Overview
For documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), ensure that your membership status is always active to avoid conflicts when acquiring services from the institution. On the other hand, if you’re not a documented worker from Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), you can still apply for OWWA membership by getting documented.
Furthermore, OWWA Qatar accepts Filipina members working for their husbands or via family sponsorship even if they don’t have a work permit. They only need to complete the requirements stated below to acquire an OEC and become an OWWA member. Then, they will be exempted to pay the Philippine Travel Tax and the Manila International Airport fee whenever they leave the Philippines after having a vacation.
Requirements
If your OWWA membership is about to expire, or you’re working in Doha without being a member, check out the requirements below for the OWWA membership in Doha, Qatar, to access the services and programs offered by the institution.
- Book an appointment at https://booking.polodoha.com/
- Original passport
- 2 copies of passport (showing the data page)
- 2 copies of Qatar ID (showing front and back)
- Original and 2 copies of verified employment contract, or other proof of employment including Certificate of employment, Company ID, Payslip
- 2 copies of sponsor’s Qatar ID for Household Service Worker (HSW)
- Contract verification fee of 40 Qatar Riyal (QR)
- OWWA membership fee of QR 93 (for first-time applicant or renewal)
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) request fee of QR 9
- Duly accomplished OWWA membership form
- Physical appearance only
Qualifications
Although OWWA would like to extend its services and programs to Filipino’s working abroad, the institution requires an applicant or member to be actively and continuously working. In addition, OWWA membership is only applicable for documented or legal OFWs. Thus, it is necessary to document your employment to benefit from the services and programs provided by OWWA.
The following individuals or employees are also not qualified to apply or renew OWWA membership, including:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- No work, No pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Doha, Qatar
Based on POLO Doha’s official website, applicants are required to book an appointment for OWWA membership and renewal and contract verification. This step is needed so that you can enter the POLO-OWWA office in Doha, Qatar, on the day of your visit.
Thus, apart from securing all the documents and fees, it is a must to book an appointment to process your OWWA membership renewal. Also, do not forget to take a screenshot of your confirmed appointment booking since you will use it as proof to enter the POLO-OWWA office in Doha.
Step by step how to set up an appointment for OWWA payment
For booking an appointment with the POLO-OWWA Doha office, just follow the steps below.
1. Visit the POLO Doha website at https://booking.polodoha.com/ to verify the employment contract.
2. Log in on your account, or register, to proceed with the Verification of Employment Contract for returning workers or Balik Mangagawa (BM).
3. Fill out required personal details, including Full Name, Username, Mobile Number, E-mail Address, Passport Number, and a valid Password.
4. Once all the needed details are entered, hit “Sign Up”
5. Afterward, go to your email, and look for a message from OWWA to proceed with account activation.
6. Then go back to OWWA’s website at https://polodoha.com/index.php/component/comprofiler/login, to log in to your account.
7. Enter your username and passwords, and click “Log in”.
8. After successfully getting in, on the resource button, choose the Contract Verification.
9. Next, click “Services” and choose if you’re a Company/Skilled Worker or a Household Service Worker (HSW)
10. Choose a service you would like to book an appointment for and select your preferred date. If the available dates are not applicable for you, scroll to view the available dates on other months. If the dates on the calendar are still green, it means the dates are still available for appointment, while red means the date is already fully booked.
11. After selecting a date, click “Submit”
12. Wait for the confirmed booking appointment sent in your email. Take a screenshot or print a copy to present during the appointment day.
Paying OWWA Membership at POLO-OWWA office in Doha
After successfully getting confirmation from your booked appointment with the POLO-OWWA Doha office, secure all your requirements, and then come early on the day of your scheduled appointment. You can directly pay the OWWA membership fee during your visit.
To proceed with OWWA membership fee payment, here are the following steps to do on your appointment.
Step by step process of paying the OWWA membership
1. Head to the POLO-OWWA Doha office on your scheduled appointment.
2. Present the screenshot or a printed copy of your appointment booking confirmation to a POLO security officer to enter their premises.
3. Submit all the necessary and complete requirements.
4. Afterward, head to the payment counter to pay the OWWA membership fee and get the receipt of your transaction.
Reminders during the Day of Appointment in OWWA Doha
Apart from acquiring all the required documents and paying the fees, it is essential to take note of the following reminders to ensure a successful application or renewal of OWWA membership during the day of your appointment, including:
- Be sure that your requirements are complete and filled with accurate details before submitting them. If you submit incomplete requirements, the officer in charge will not handle your application.
- Keep a copy of your booked appointment to ensure entry to the POLO-OWWA Doha office.
- Come in proper attire during your scheduled appointment. Considering that it’s a government premise, never wear sleeveless tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, and slippers.
- To avoid missing the appointment, you must come earlier of the scheduled appointment, especially those who will bring their cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out these common questions about POLO OWWA Qatar and the renewal of the membership process:
1. What are the services offered by POLO-OWWA Doha?
If you’re an active member of OWWA and based in Doha, you can acquire the following services offered by POLO-OWWA, including:
- Labor Policy Services
- Employment and Capacity Building Services
- Labor Force Welfare Services
- Employment Regulation Services
2. Does OWWA control POLO Doha?
No, OWWA does not control POLO Doha. Instead, they are two agencies, working with DOLE to help OFWs in foreign countries. OWWA provides services and programs to OFWs and their dependents, while POLO is DOLE’s direct link to implement labor policies and programs that OFWs need.
3. Where is the POLO-OWWA Doha office located?
The office of POLO-OWW Doha is on the 1st floor, Al Jazeera Tower, Al Furat St. West Bay, Doha, Qatar.
4. Is it possible to book an appointment if I have work?
Yes, you can book an appointment with POLO-OWWA Doha despite working. However, be sure to have a day off on the day of your scheduled appointment. To book an appointment, visit the POLO Doha website at https://booking.polodoha.com/
5. Can I pay my membership fee without going to the POLO-OWWA Doha office?
Yes, you can pay for the OWWA membership fee without visiting the POLO-OWWA Doha office. To do so, download the OWWA mobile app, and process your membership renewal.
Afterward, you can let your relatives in the Philippines pay for the contribution amount at the OWWA Regional Welfare office or through OWWA accredited payment centers.
6. When will I become an active member of OWWA?
After submitting all the necessary documents and paying the OWWA membership fee, you will automatically become an active member of OWWA.
7. How much is the membership fee in OWWA Doha?
The contribution amount for OWWA membership in Doha costs QR 93.
8. Can I apply for OWWA membership even if I’m not in Doha?
For OFWs not based in Doha, you can apply for OWWA membership at the nearest POLO-OWWA office in your place. As of now, there are 34 POLO offices around the world, including Asia, America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
9. Does OWWA Doha process passport renewal?
No, the POLO-OWWA Doha office does not process the Philippine passport renewal. The premise is only mandated to protect and provide services beneficial to OFWs. So if you’re planning to renew your passport, you can book an appointment at Philippine Embassy in Qatar at https://dohape.dfa.gov.ph/consular-services/passport.
Also, you can inquire about the passport renewal process at BLS International-Philippine Passport Renewal Center (PaRC) located at Al Shoumoukh Towers, 17th floor, Building 58, 231 Suhaib Bin Hamad St., Zone 23, Doha, Qatar.
10. Does OWWA membership expire?
Yes, OWWA membership expires two years from the day you paid for the contribution. But if you happen to change into a new employer, even if your membership hasn’t exceeded two years, your OWWA membership will become “INACTIVE”.
Since the validity of OWWA membership only applies to the employer indicated on the application. So if you are working for a new employer, even if it’s just a year, your OWWA membership will be inactive, and you have to process again for OWWA membership renewal.
Video: OWWA Membership in Doha
For further details on OWWA membership Renewal in Doha, Qatar, please watch the video below:
In the video, you can see that you can easily book an appointment with the POLO-OWWA Doha office via smartphone. After confirming your appointment request, you will receive a message on your email indicating all the requirements depending on if Skilled Worker or HSW. The video also shows how to download the Employment Contract needed for OWWA membership application or renewal.
Summary
To sum up, becoming a member and processing OWWA membership renewal in Doha, Qatar is easy. OFWs only need to complete all the requirements and follow the reminders during the scheduled appointment date. To book an appointment, visit the POLO Doha website at https://booking.polodoha.com/
Therefore, all OFWs should always ensure that their membership is active to benefit from the services provided by OWWA. Moreover, Filipino’s who are undocumented workers are encouraged to become OWWA members to have a helping hand to lean on in times of difficulties.
Contact Details
POLO Doha, Qatar
Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday
Address: New Office Location starting March 15, 2022 – Ground Floor, Bldg. No. 24 Jawaan St. 808 Region 39 Al Saad, Doha, Qatar (Located behind the Al Saad Family Court and Al Saad Police Station)
Website: https://polodoha.com/index.php
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/qatarPOLO/
OWWA Doha Hotline: 3318-2459
Telephone Number: +974-3318-2459
POLO Doha Email: polodoha@gmail.com
Map Location Guide
Below is a map location of the office in Doha, Qatar.