For OFWs in Iran wondering how to process their OWWA membership, we got you covered. This article is also for you if it’s your first time applying for OWWA membership in Iran. In today’s article, we’ll share the application processes and documentary requirements for OWWA membership. We also added the contact details of relevant offices that can assist you. So read on to learn how to process OWWA membership in Iran.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is an agency that provides Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with varying benefits through an obligatory contribution. It’s also attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). This agency was established on May 1, 1997, and mandated by the Philippine government to promote OFWs’ welfare and ensure their safety and dependents.
Moreover, the OWWA membership program that the agency offers includes different services and support for OFWs, benefiting their welfare, livelihood, and dependents’ education. The agency also assists distressed OFWs and those who lose their job through financial and legal aid. It also acts as OFW’s insurance that ensures medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial benefits. Therefore, OFWs in Iran should process their OWWA membership to access these benefits.
Contents
Requirements
If you’re renewing or applying for OWWA membership in Iran, here are the primary documentary requirements you should comply with for the evaluation:
- 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 IRR based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
Although OWWA offers services and support to OFWs, not everyone can apply for OWWA membership. Since OWWA imposed qualification criteria should be met and maintained by its member. OFWs should have active and continuous work and are “legal” or “documented” worker with a valid work permit and visa to be eligible for OWWA membership.
Furthermore, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries are welcome to apply for OWWA membership. But they should remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment. On the contrary, the following individuals who don’t meet OWWA’s qualification criteria cannot apply for 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 Iran
As of writing, Iran doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership, and even a designated POLO doesn’t exist in this country. But the nearest POLO-OWWA office in Beirut, Lebanon, processes OWWA membership on-site.
Also, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran, conducts a Consular Outreach Mission, which may require an appointment. So for inquiries on OWWA membership, OFWs may contact the Philippine Embassy in Iran and POLO-OWWA Lebanon.
Meanwhile, if vacationing in the Philippines, we advise OFWs to contact DMW or OWWA Regional offices since some require an appointment while others accept walk-in applicants.
Applying for OWWA membership in Iran
Based on the Facebook post of the Philippine Embassy in Iran, their office conducts a Consular Outreach Mission. On the other hand, it’s unclear if they process OWWA membership during the said event. Thus, OFWs should contact their office for more information on the Consular Outreach Mission.
If vacationing in the Philippines, OFWs may also process their OWWA membership on-site with DMW or OWWA Regional office. But for convenience, we recommend OFWs process their membership through OWWA mobile app. This app allows OFWs to process their OWWA membership anytime and anywhere.
Paying OWWA Membership in Iran
As stated, OFWs may process their OWWA membership on-site via Consular Outreach Mission, DMW, or OWWA Regional office. If you process your OWWA membership on-site, you can also pay the contribution fee the same day if qualified.
But for those processing through OWWA mobile app, you can pay the OWWA membership fee via an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers in the country. In addition, you can ask your relatives in the Philippines to pay the OWWA membership fee in any of your chosen payment methods.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via On-site/Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran)
- Contact the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran.
- 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.
- Visit the designated application site in Iran.
- Head 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 Iran
Please keep in mind the following reminders when processing OWWA membership in Iran:
- As of writing, Iran doesn’t have a designated POLO, and the nearest POLO-OWWA office is in Beirut, Lebanon.
- OFWs in Iran may process their OWWA membership via OWWA mobile app, DMW, OWWA Regional office, or Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Tehran.
- 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, won’t be allowed to enter the office.
- 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.
- OFWs should contact the Philippine Embassy in Iran, POLO-OWWA Lebanon, and their agency for inquiries and assistance on OWWA membership applications. You may also visit their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Iran?
As of writing, there is no online appointment system for OWWA membership in Iran.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Iran?
You may renew your OWWA membership in Iran through 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 Iran?
The OWWA membership fee in Iran is US$25.00 converted to IRR 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: OWWA TULONG PUSO PROGRAM for OFW /SEAMAN
Please watch the video below for more information on OWWA membership:
As discussed in the video, the Tulong Puso is another program that OWWA offers to sea-based and land-based OFWs. This program is a financial grant for a group of OFWs to help put up, expand, or restore a business in the Philippines. So to access this program, OFWs need to apply for OWWA membership.
Summary
To sum up, the OWWA membership benefits all OFWs, from the distressed to those staying in the Philippines for good. It can also assist OFWs with studying dependents, lessening their financial burdens. Thus, OFWs in Iran should apply for or renew their OWWA membership to access varying programs, services, and support in the long run. Also, don’t forget to contact the relevant offices for more details on OWWA membership.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from Sunday to Thursday
Address: No. 13, Upper Alef St., Mamouhdieh (across Alef Book City) Tehran City
Website: https://tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinIran
Email: tehran.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: +98 21 2670 8413
Fax Number: +98 21 2670 8650
POLO-OWWA Lebanon
Operating Hours: 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 2nd Floor W. Building, Mar Geries St., Hadath, Baabda, Lebanon
Website: https://pololebanon.weebly.com/, https://beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinLebanon/, https://web.facebook.com/pololebanon/
Email: pololebanon@yahoo.com, lebanon@owwa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: POLO- +961 05 953 523, +961 71 418 657/ OWWA- +961 05 953 524