For OFWs in Ireland, renewing your OWWA membership is necessary to access different benefits. In addition, we encourage OFWs to apply voluntarily for OWWA membership if they have obtained employment via a visit visa in Ireland. So if you’re wondering how to process your OWWA membership in Ireland, read our in-depth guide below.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency authorized to promote and protect the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. This agency works with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or previously known as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). These agencies confirm OFWs’ legal employment and access to OWWA benefits.
With that said, the membership program OWWA offers to OFWs includes support and services that benefits them and their dependents. OWWA members who are also having conflicts with their employers can request legal assistance and financial aid in times of difficulty. Additionally, active OWWA members can get access to different programs, including educational training, scholarships, and livelihood. The OWWA membership also acts as OFWs’ insurance, providing them with medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Thus, we encourage OFWs in Ireland to renew or apply for OWWA membership to enjoy maximum OWWA benefits.
Contents
Requirements
Based on the available guideline from the Philippine Embassy in London, here are the following documentary requirements for OWWA membership application OFWs in Ireland should comply with:
- Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
- Copy of valid Philippine passport (showing data page)
- Copy of Employment Contract or any of the following proof of employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of latest payslip
- Copy of bank account salary entries
- Work or residence permit
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad
- Certificate of Oath and Identification page for OFWs with dual citizenship
- OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00 converted to Euro based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
Applying for the OWWA membership ensure OFWs and their dependents access to services, support, and programs only provided to active OWWA members. However, not all OFWs can become members since OWWA has qualification criteria that applicants should meet and maintain. OFWs should have active and continuous work and are “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas to be qualified for OWWA membership.
Aside from that, OFWs who acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries and are still Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment can become OWWA members. On the contrary, the following individuals who cannot meet or maintain the qualification criteria of OWWA include employees:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- No work, No pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Ireland
As of writing, an online appointment system for OWWA membership application isn’t available in Ireland since this country doesn’t have a designated POLO. Ireland is also under the jurisdiction of POLO-OWWA London, which means they handle the labor-related concerns and services for OFWs in this country. Thus, OFWs in Ireland should contact POLO-OWWA London and the Philippine Consulate in Dublin for more details on OWWA membership.
But if vacationing in the Philippines, you can book an appointment for OWWA membership with DMW or the nearest OWWA Regional office. Furthermore, inquire with DMW regarding the latest OWWA membership application requirements.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Ireland
The official website and Facebook page of the Philippine Consulate in Dublin lack details regarding OWWA membership. So we advise OFWs in Ireland to contact their agency or the said office for more information. But currently, OFWs in Ireland have two options to apply for OWWA membership.
The first option is to apply for OWWA membership through the email of POLO-OWWA London. Secure and scan your documentary requirements. Then, send the requirements to POLO-OWWA London email.
Another option to renew your OWWA membership in Ireland is to use the OWWA mobile app. This application process is the most convenient as you can process your OWWA membership online using your mobile phone anytime and anywhere. For those vacationing in the Philippines, you can also apply on-site at DMW.
Paying OWWA Membership in Ireland
As stated, there are currently two options to apply for OWWA membership in Ireland. If you opt to process via email or the Facebook page of POLO-OWWA London, wait for the approval of your application request before paying the OWWA membership. We also encourage OFWs to contact the relevant offices for the latest details.
On the contrary, if you choose to renew your membership via OWWA mobile app, you have different options to pay the contribution fee. You can pay the OWWA membership fee through an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers. If you’re not in the Philippines, you can ask your relative to pay the OWWA membership by giving the reference number and transaction details.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via Email/Facebook Page
- Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Scan the documentary requirements for OWWA membership.
- Next, send the scanned documents to POLO-OWWA London email at london@owwa.gov.ph or their Facebook page for evaluation.
- Wait for an email from POLO-OWWA London regarding your application for OWWA membership.
- Once qualified, follow the payment transaction for the OWWA membership fee sent via email or inquire at the POLO-OWWA London Facebook page.
- Take a screenshot of the successful payment transaction.
- Send the screenshot to the POLO-OWWA London email or Facebook page.
- Then, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official receipt. You can also book an appointment to claim your official receipt at the Philippine Embassy in London.
Also, POLO-OWWA London announced on their Facebook page that the email at london@owwa.gov.ph is currently down. Thus, OFWs should submit their documentary requirements for OWWA membership at owwamembershipuk@gmail.com.
Via OWWA mobile app
- Download the OWWA mobile app on your device.
- Register an account. Also, provide an active email since 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 Ireland
If you’re applying for OWWA membership in Ireland, please take note of the following reminders:
- As of writing, Ireland is under the jurisdiction of POLO-OWWA London. So OFWs in Ireland can inquire at POLO-OWWA London for labor-related services and concerns.
- OFWs in Ireland can apply for OWWA membership via the email/Facebook page of POLO-OWWA London, the OWWA mobile app, and DMW.
- OFWs visiting the Embassy or any government office should wear proper attire. It is strictly prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- OFWs processing OWWA membership on-site should bring proof of confirmed appointment schedule, a Covid-19 vaccination card, or a Negative RT-PCR test taken 48 hours from the visit.
- OFWs should book an appointment with the Philippine Embassy in London to claim their OWWA membership official receipt.
- For more details, OFWs in Ireland should contact the Philippine Consulate in Dublin and POLO-OWWA London. You may also visit their website and Facebook page for the latest announcement.
Video: HOW TO PAY YOUR OWWA CONTRIBUTION USING THE OWWA APP
For more details on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs can easily renew their membership using the OWWA mobile app. All you need is to create a login account and fill out the information required. Then, pay the OWWA membership fee depending on your chosen payment source.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Ireland?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Ireland.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Ireland?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Ireland through POLO-OWWA London email/Facebook page or OWWA mobile app.
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 Ireland?
The OWWA membership fee in Ireland is US$25.00 converted to Euro based on the foreign exchange rate.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
You can pay for the OWWA membership online via OWWA mobile app.
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.
Summary
In summary, OFWs in Ireland who wish to apply for or renew their OWWA membership can do so through the OWWA mobile app or POLO-OWWA London email. Moreover, OFWs should contact the relevant offices to ensure the latest application procedure for OWWA membership.
Contact Details
Philippine Consulate Dublin, Ireland
Address: John Bosco Centre, Davitt Rd, Drimnagh D12 EDN2 Dublin, Ireland
Website: https://philippineconsulate.ie/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinIRELAND
Email: info@philippineconsulate.ie
Telephone Number: +353 1 908 1978
Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 6-11 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG
Website: https://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHLinUK
Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Emergency Hotline: (+44) 78 0279 0695
POLO-OWWA London
Address: 3F, 6 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG
Website: https://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/labor-welfare
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/POLOOWWALONDON
Email: polo_london@dole.gov.ph, owwamembershipuk@gmail.com
Telephone Number: (+44) 20 7839 8078
Fax: (+44) 20 7839 7345