For OFWs in Nigeria, we recommend renewing your expired OWWA membership so you can access varying OWWA benefits whenever necessary. We also encourage OFWs in Nigeria who have acquired employment via a visit visa to apply voluntarily for OWWA membership. And if you’re planning to process your OWWA membership in Nigeria, read our in-depth guide below. We also included the contact details of relevant offices that can help you in the application process, so read on.
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 OWWA membership includes support, services, and programs for OFWs and their dependents that aim to improve their well-being, career, livelihood, and dependents’ education. Furthermore, OWWA members can request legal assistance if they have employer conflicts and financial aid in times of hardship. The OWWA membership also acts as OFW’s insurance providing them with disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Thus, we encourage OFWs in Nigeria to renew or apply for OWWA membership to enjoy maximum OWWA benefits.
Contents
Requirements
Here are the following primary documentary requirements OFWs in Nigeria should comply with whether renewing or applying for OWWA membership:
- Duly-accomplished OWWA Information Sheet.
- Copy of valid Philippine passport (showing data page)
- Copy of Employment Contract or any of the following proof of present employment:
- Certificate of Employment
- Company ID
- Copy of latest payslip
- Permit to Stay or Work Permit
- Other relevant documents proving continuous employment abroad
- OWWA Membership fee of US$25.00 converted to NGN based on the foreign exchange rate
Qualifications
From educational training and scholarships to livelihood programs, these are just some benefits OWWA members and their dependents can access. That’s why many OFWs wish to apply for OWWA membership. However, not everyone can apply for OWWA membership, as they should meet and maintain OWWA’s qualification criteria.
OWWA requires its members to have active and continuous employment and are “legal” or “documented” workers with valid work permits and visas. In addition, OFWs who have obtained permanent residency status in foreign countries and remain Filipino citizens with work permits and visas qualify for OWWA membership. On the contrary, the following OFWs who cannot meet the qualification criteria cannot 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 Nigeria
As of writing, Nigeria doesn’t have an online appointment system for OWWA membership. Since Nigeria also doesn’t have a designated POLO, OFWs should contact the Philippines Embassy in Abuja for more details. They also conduct a Consular Outreach that may require an appointment. But it’s unclear if they offer on-site OWWA membership registration and renewal. Thus, we advise verifying with the Embassy.
Additionally, the nearest POLO office from Nigeria is in Rabat, Morocco. OFWs may contact their office for assistance even if Nigeria is not under their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, OFWs vacationing in the Philippines should contact DMW or OWWA Regional office to book an appointment for OWWA membership.
Applying for OWWA Membership in Nigeria
There are no relevant details regarding the OWWA membership application on the official website and Facebook page of the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria. But they conduct a Consular Outreach Mission where the OWWA membership is processed. So OFWs in Nigeria may apply for OWWA membership through this.
You can also process your OWWA membership at DMW or OWWA Regional office if vacationing in the Philippines. Another way to process your OWWA membership in Nigeria is through the OWWA mobile app. This process is ideal for renewing your OWWA membership anytime and anywhere using your mobile phone.
Paying OWWA Membership in Nigeria
The contribution fee is payable on-site if the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, offers OWWA membership registration and renewal during the Consular Outreach Mission. The same goes if processing your OWWA membership at DMW or OWWA Regional office. But ensure to inquire with the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria before following the steps below.
On the other hand, renewing your OWWA membership through the OWWA mobile app is less troublesome. You can pay the contribution fee via an online bank, e-wallet, or over-the-counter payment centers in the Philippines or ask your relatives if you’re not in the country.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Via On-site/Consular Outreach Mission (Philippine Embassy in Nigeria)
- Contact the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria.
- Book an appointment for OWWA membership.
- Print a copy of your confirmed appointment and secure the documentary requirements.
- Visit the designated application site on the day of your appointment.
- Proceed to the OWWA counter and submit your requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and collect the official receipt.
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 Nigeria
Please keep in mind the following reminders for OWWA membership in Nigeria:
- As of writing, Nigeria doesn’t have a designated POLO, and the closest POLO-OWWA office is in Rabat, Morocco.
- OFWs in Nigeria may process their OWWA membership via Consular Outreach Mission conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, OWWA mobile app, DMW, or OWWA Regional office.
- 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.
- We advised OFWs in Nigeria to contact the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, their agency, and POLO-OWWA Rabat, Morocco, for more details on the OWWA membership application process. You may also visit their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Nigeria?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Nigeria.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Nigeria?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Nigeria 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 Nigeria?
The OWWA membership fee in Nigeria is US$25.00 converted to NGN 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.
Video: PAANO MALALAMAN KUNG ACTIVE O INACTIVE ANG OWWA MEMBERSHIP | HOW TO FIX MOBILE APP NOT WORKING?
For more information on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As stated in the video, OFWs can check the status of their OWWA membership by downloading the OWWA mobile app on their device. Log in or register to your account to check if you have an active or inactive OWWA membership status. There are also varying payment options through the OWWA mobile app, making it convenient for OFWs to pay the OWWA membership fee.
Summary
Overall, OFWs in Nigeria should keep their OWWA membership active to ensure access to OWWA benefits, especially during unexpected circumstances. Also, there are no relevant details on the application process. So we advise OFWs to contact the said offices for assistance with OWWA membership registration or download the OWWA mobile app to renew their membership.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, from Monday to Friday
Address: 5 Vattern Crescent, off Amazon Street, Maitama District, Abuja, Nigeria
Website: https://abujape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinNigeria/
Email: abuja.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: +234 810 254 1252
POLO-OWWA Rabat, Morocco
Operating Hours: 9:00 to 6:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at Rabat)
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Every Thursday at the Honorary Consulate Casablanca)
Address: #1 Avenue Al Arz, Block 1 Sector 8, Hay Riyad, Rabat, Morocco 10100
24/7 Hotline: +212-660333587
Office Landline Number: +212-808568852
Mobile Number: +212-660764577 (For OWWA Membership)
Email: rabat.welfare526@gmail.com (For Welfare Concerns)
Website: https://polorabat.dole.gov.ph/, https://rabatpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/polo.rabat2