Are you an OFW in Laos and wondering how to apply for OWWA membership? Or your OWWA membership has expired, and you want to renew it? Please follow this in-depth guide on the application process for OWWA membership in Laos and the contact details of relevant details that may assist you.
But before we dive into details, let’s talk about the function of OWWA and how it helps Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a government agency attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). It’s mandated by the Philippine government to promote the welfare of OFWs and ensure their safety and dependents worldwide.
Furthermore, OWWA offers a membership program to qualified OFWs that includes access to support and services that can help their health, livelihood, and their dependent’s educations. OWWA also provides different types of assistance to active OWWA members facing difficulties, especially in legal and financial. Apart from that, the OWWA membership acts as OFW’s insurance and provides them benefits, including medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial. Therefore, we encourage all OFWs in Laos to renew or apply for OWWA membership.
Contents
Requirements
If you’re an OFW in Laos, here are the following documentary you should secure to apply for or renew your OWWA membership:
- 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 LAK based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
The OWWA membership programs, services, and support will benefit OFWs and their dependents, especially in times of difficulty. Thus, many OFWs wish to apply for OWWA membership. However, not all can apply for membership since OWWA has imposed qualification criteria for old and new members. OWWA requires its members to be actively and continuously working and are “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas to be eligible for OWWA membership.
In addition, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries qualify for OWWA membership. But they should remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment. On the other hand, OFWs who cannot meet or maintain the qualification criteria are not qualified to renew or apply for OWWA membership, including employees:
- Due for termination
- Terminated
- Due for cancellation
- Canceled
- Resigned
- No work, No pay
Booking an OWWA Appointment in Laos
As of writing, Laos doesn’t have a designated POLO or an online appointment system for OWWA membership. The nearest POLO from Laos is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. So OFWs may contact the said office for inquiries on the application process for OWWA membership in Laos. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, conducts a Consular Outreach Mission, which may require an appointment.
However, it’s unclear if they process OWWA membership registration and renewal on-site. Thus, we advise OFWs to confirm with the Philippine Embassy in Laos before booking an appointment. But if vacationing in the Philippines, OFWs may book an appointment with DMW or OWWA Regional office to process their OWWA membership.
Applying for OWWA membership in Laos
There are no relevant details regarding the OWWA membership application process in Laos. But the Philippine Embassy in Laos conducts a Consular Outreach Mission, and POLO-OWWA Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, recently conducted a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar for OFWs in Laos. Thus, OFWs may contact these two offices to confirm if they offer on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal during the Consular Outreach Mission in Laos.
Aside from that, OFWs vacationing in the Philippines may process their OWWA membership on-site at DMW or OWWA Regional office. Contact their office to book an appointment and inquire regarding the latest application requirements for OWWA membership. On the contrary, OFWs who don’t have the time to process their membership on-site may do so through the OWWA mobile app.
Paying OWWA Membership in Laos
As stated earlier, OFWs in Laos may process their OWWA membership on-site through Consular Outreach Mission, DMW, or OWWA Regional office. If you’re qualified, you may also pay the OWWA membership fee on-site on the day of your appointment.
But if you want a more convenient process, you may download the OWWA mobile app. Create and sign in to your account and renew your OWWA membership online. This process allows you to process your OWWA membership anytime and anywhere.
You can also pay the OWWA membership fee in different ways, such as an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines. And even if you’re not in the Philippines, you can ask your relatives to pay the contribution fee.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy in Laos)
- Contact the Philippine Embassy in Laos.
- Book an appointment for on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal.
- 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 on the day of your appointment.
- Submit your documentary 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 Laos
Please take note of the following reminders if you wish to renew or apply for OWWA membership in Laos:
- As of writing, there is no designated POLO in Laos. But the nearest office is at POLO Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which assists OFWs with labor-related concerns and services.
- OFWs in Laos may process their OWWA membership through OWWA mobile app, DMW, OWWA Regional office, or Consular Outreach Mission.
- OFWs visiting the Embassy or any government office should wear proper attire. Applicants won’t be allowed to enter if wearing strictly prohibited outfits, such as 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 took 48 hours from the visit.
- For inquiries and assistance on OWWA membership application, we advise OFWs to contact the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, POLO Malaysia, and their agency. You may also check their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Laos?
As of writing, Laos doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Laos?
You may renew your OWWA membership in Laos via 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 Laos?
The OWWA membership fee in Laos is US$25.00 converted to LAK 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: PAANO MAGRENEW NG MEMBERSHIP SA OWWA? OWWA Region 3 | Biyaherong Guro
Please watch the video below for more information on OWWA membership:
As discussed in the video, OFWs may process their membership through OWWA Regional offices. Their office may also accept walk-in applicants renewing their OWWA membership. But since OWWA Regional offices across the Philippines may have varying rules, OFWs should email their office beforehand.
Summary
Generally speaking, the OWWA membership benefits OFWs and their dependents. There are also varying processes to ensure an active membership status. OFWs may also download the OWWA mobile app to process OWWA membership easier.
Moreover, since there are limited details online, OFWs should contact the relevant offices for assistance in the application process for OWWA membership.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
Address: Ban Saphanthong Neua, Phonthan Road, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Website: https://vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinLaoPDR
Email: vientiane.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: (+856 21) 452 490 / 491
Hotline Number: (+856 20) 555 358 78
POLO-OWWA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 1, Jalan Changkat Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: https://kualalumpurpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinMalaysia
Email: klpe_malaysia@yahoo.com, malaysia@owwa.gov.ph, polo_kualalumpur@yahoo.com
OWWA Telephone Numbers: +(603) 9202 3756, +(6019) 333 0156
POLO Telephone Numbers: +(603) 2181 7299, +(603) 2161 2222