For OFWs in Macau, renewing your OWWA membership before or once it expires is necessary to ensure you can continuously access the services and programs OWWA provides to its active members. In addition, Filipinos in Macau who have obtained employment through visit visas and are not yet registered members of OWWA may voluntarily apply for the OWWA membership.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your OWWA membership, it is required to book an appointment to process your application at the POLO-OWWA Macau office. And to help you out, follow our guide below to become an OWWA member in Macau.
Contents
Overview
Many Filipinos gamble with their fate overseas, aiming to improve their lives for the better. While being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) seems like a fortune to some, other OFWs suffer from maltreatment, and worst leads to their death.
Therefore, the Philippine Government founded the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) agency working with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Department of Labor and Employment.
This government agency is in charge of promoting and protecting the welfare of OFWs and their families throughout the globe. OWWA also offers a membership program, which gives OFWs access to varying support and services that can help their lives and families’ living conditions.
Through the OWWA membership, OFWs can also avail of other support during a crisis, such as Covid-19 financial aid and access to legal assistance for employer conflicts. Moreover, OWWA services and programs also include education and training benefits, loans, livelihood programs, and repatriation and reintegration.
The OWWA membership also acts like an insurance policy, where active OFW members can access medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial benefits. In short, OWWA can assist OFWs right from pre-employment to distressed OFWs to stabilize their life back in the country.
Thus, OFWs in Macau are encouraged to renew or apply for the OWWA membership to maximize the benefits.
Requirements
To apply or renew your OWWA membership in Macau, here are the requirements you need to comply with, including:
- Book an appointment
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet
- Photocopy of Active and Valid Proof of Employment
- Photocopy of Valid Visa, Work Permit
- Original and photocopy of passport (showing the data page)
- OFWs must present a letter of certification from the employer or company, verifying that they are not on the list of terminated, resigned, canceled, or employees due for termination.
- OWWA membership fee of US$25.00 (converted to local currency based on foreign exchange rate)
- Physical appearance
Qualifications
If the said requirements above are available, another thing to consider is meeting the qualification criteria for OWWA members. The institution requires new and old members to have active and continuous work and is “legal” or “documented” workers who have completed their overseas employment at POEA with valid visas and work permits. OWWA also accepts members who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent employment.
However, since OWWA only accept members with active and continuous work, the following individuals are not qualified to apply 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 Macau
As stated on the Facebook post of the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR, the consulate is strictly open to clients with confirmed appointments from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday, except holidays. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all consular and POLO-OWWA services are strictly by appointment, so make sure to book one before visiting the POLO-OWWA Macau office.
Also, ensure that you have an appointment confirmation and bring a copy when you visit the POLO-OWWA Macau office, as it will be your gate pass. However, POLO Macau has recently launched its website and states that an online appointment system will be available in the future.
So make sure to check their Facebook page and website for the latest announcement and application process.
Step by step how to set up an appointment for OWWA payment
Since it is required to book an appointment for all services, old and first-time applicants should book an appointment with the POLO-OWWA Macau office. To do so, follow the steps below.
Set up an appointment with POLO-OWWA Macau via Call
- Decide on a specific appointment date and time. Choose from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday.
- Call the OWWA Macau office at +853 6258 7887 and state that you’d like to book an appointment for the OWWA membership application.
- Ensure that you have confirmed an appointment by OWWA Macau before heading to their office.
Set up an appointment with POLO-OWWA Macau via e-mail
- Write a message stating your request to book an appointment for the OWWA membership application, including the specific date and time, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday.
- Send the e-mail to OWWA Macau at macau@owwa.gov.ph/owwamacau@gmail.com.
- Wait for the confirmation of your appointment before visiting the OWWA Macau office.
Paying OWWA Membership in Macau
Whether you book an appointment via e-mail or phone call, make sure that OWWA Macau has confirmed your appointment schedule. If you have booked an appointment, secure the necessary and complete documents before visiting the POLO-OWWA Macau office.
You can also pay the OWWA membership fee during your visit. In addition, the consulate only allows entry to applicants with confirmed appointments, and companions are not allowed for some individuals. So to pay the OWWA membership fee, follow the steps below.
Step by step process of paying the OWWA membership
- Present a copy of your confirmed appointment to the guard.
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your documents for verification.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and other applicable fees.
- Collect your OWWA membership official receipt, and you are now an active OWWA member.
Reminders from OWWA Macau
Please remember the following reminders to ensure a successful OWWA membership application or renewal in Macau.
- The Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR is only open to clients by appointment from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday, except holidays.
- The consulate only allows clients with confirmed appointments to enter, and companions are only permitted if they are minors, PWD, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- OFWs visiting the consulate should wear facemasks all the time.
- Thermal screening is necessary for everyone upon entry at AIA Tower.
- All clients with finished transactions are immediately requested to leave the consulate to maintain social distancing.
- OFWs should wear appropriate or smart casual attire when visiting the consulate. It is strictly prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- Ensure that your requirements are complete, or you won’t be able to apply or renew your OWWA membership.
- Check the Facebook page and website of POLO-OWWA Macau and the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR for the latest updates.
- The Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR is only open to clients by appointment from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday, except holidays.
- The consulate only allows clients with confirmed appointments to enter, and companions are only permitted if they are minors, PWD, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- OFWs visiting the consulate should wear facemasks all the time.
- Thermal screening is necessary for everyone upon entry at AIA Tower.
- All clients with finished transactions are immediately requested to leave the consulate to maintain social distancing.
- OFWs should wear appropriate or smart casual attire when visiting the consulate. It is strictly prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- Ensure that your requirements are complete, or you won’t be able to apply or renew your OWWA membership.
- Check the Facebook page and website of POLO-OWWA Macau and the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR for the latest updates.
- The Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR is only open to clients by appointment from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday, except holidays.
- The consulate only allows clients with confirmed appointments to enter, and companions are only permitted if they are minors, PWD, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- OFWs visiting the consulate should wear facemasks all the time.
- Thermal screening is necessary for everyone upon entry at AIA Tower.
- All clients with finished transactions are immediately requested to leave the consulate to maintain social distancing.
- OFWs should wear appropriate or smart casual attire when visiting the consulate. It is strictly prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- Ensure that your requirements are complete, or you won’t be able to apply or renew your OWWA membership.
- Check the Facebook page and website of POLO-OWWA Macau and the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR for the latest updates.
- The Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR is only open to clients by appointment from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday, except holidays.
- The consulate only allows clients with confirmed appointments to enter, and companions are only permitted if they are minors, PWD, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- OFWs visiting the consulate should wear facemasks all the time.
- Thermal screening is necessary for everyone upon entry at AIA Tower.
- All clients with finished transactions are immediately requested to leave the consulate to maintain social distancing.
- OFWs should wear appropriate or smart casual attire when visiting the consulate. It is strictly prohibited to wear sleeveless or tank tops, sando, shorts, miniskirts, ripped jeans, and slippers.
- Ensure that your requirements are complete, or you won’t be able to apply or renew your OWWA membership.
- Check the Facebook page and website of POLO-OWWA Macau and the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR for the latest updates.
Video: OWWA Membership in Macau
For more detail on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As discussed in the video, OFWs can check their membership status using the OWWA mobile app. In the information section, you can see whether your OWWA membership status is inactive or active. You can also renew your membership using the app and choose from varying payment methods. So OFWs can always ensure to have an active OWWA membership status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check out the following answers to common questions about POLO office in Macau:
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Macau?
POLO-OWWA Macau previously had an online appointment system. However, the link is not available. So OFWs in Macau have to book an appointment for OWWA membership by sending an e-mail to OWWA at macau@owwa.gov.ph/owwamacau@gmail.com or calling +853 6258 7887.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Macau?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Macau by booking an appointment with the POLO-OWWA office. Ensure that you have an appointment confirmation before heading to the consulate. Then, proceed to the OWWA counter, submit your documents, and pay the OWWA membership fee.
3. How to renew OWWA membership online?
Download the OWWA mobile app to renew your OWWA membership online. Sign up and log in to your account. If your membership is inactive, click Renew Membership Here.
4. How much is OWWA membership in Macau?
The OWWA membership fee in Macau is MOP 201.07 or US$25.00 converted to local currency based on the foreign exchange rate.
5. Can I pay for the OWWA membership online?
Yes, you can pay the OWWA membership fee online. If you renew your OWWA membership using the OWWA mobile app, select an online bank or e-wallet on the payment methods.
6. How long is OWWA membership valid?
The OWWA membership is only valid for two years, expiring on the date of the application.
7. Why my OWWA membership is inactive?
The OWWA membership will be inactive if the two-year validity has passed or you have an expired visa. Also, the OWWA membership becomes inactive for OFWs who change employer in less than two years since it only applies to the same employer listed during the application.
8. Is OWWA membership mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory for first-time OFWs who have processed their employment with POEA.
9. Are all OFW member of OWWA?
No, not all OFW are members of OWWA. As stated above, OWWA has requirements and qualification criteria for its members. So if an OFW cannot comply with the documents and cannot meet the qualification criteria, they are not eligible to become OWWA members.
10. Who can avail of OWWA benefits?
The OWWA benefits are available by active or registered members. Inactive members can also access OWWA benefits but limited services, programs, and support.
Summary
In summary, the OWWA membership in Macau allows OFWs to process their application depending on the most convenient time. OFWs can also renew their membership using the OWWA mobile app if they don’t have the time to take a day from their work.
Through the OWWA mobile app, OFWs can also go for the most accessible payment methods, so they don’t have to queue to process their OWWA membership application. So if you’re an OFW in Macau, ensure that you have an active OWWA membership to enjoy different services, programs, and support from OWWA.
Contact Details
POLO-OWWA Macau
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday (excluding holidays)
Address: 1406 14th Floor AIA Tower Building 251A-301, Avenida Comercial de Macau, Macau SAR
Telephone Numbers: Landline- +853 2871 5039, POLO- +853 6687 2509, OWWA- +853 6258 7887
E-mail: polomacau@yahoo.com/polomacau.info@gmail.com, macau@owwa.gov.ph/owwamacau@polo-owwa
Website: https://polomacau.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page:https://facebook.com/PoloOwwaPhilcongenMacau/, https://facebook.com/PHinMacau
Google Map Location
Please check out the POLO Macau office map guide below: