For OFWs in Venezuela who have expired OWWA membership, we advise renewing your membership to avail of different OWWA programs and services in the long run. We also encourage OFWS in Venezuela who have obtained employment via a visit visa to apply voluntarily for OWWA membership. And if you’re wondering how to process your account in Venezuela, read our in-depth guide below. We also included the contact details of relevant offices to make the process more convenient.
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 the OWWA membership program, OFWs and their dependents can access services and support, improving their livelihood, education, and well-being. OFWs suffering abuse and conflict with their employers can also request legal assistance and financial aid when they suddenly lose their job. Moreover, OWWA acts as OFW’s insurance, providing them medical, disability, calamity, death, and burial assistance. Thus, we encourage OFWs in Venezuela to renew or apply for OWWA membership to enjoy adequate OWWA benefits.
Contents
Requirements
If you’re applying for the first time or have an expired membership, here are the following primary documentary requirements for OWWA membership in Venezuela:
- Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet
- Photocopy of Active and Valid Proof of Employment, such as:
- Valid Visa and Work Permit
- Employment offer
- Latest payslip
- Certificate of Employment from the company or employer
- Company ID
- Other relevant employment documents
- 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 Venezuelan Bolívar based on the foreign exchange rate.
Qualifications
Although there are many services and programs OWWA offers, not all OFWs can become members due to the qualification criteria they should meet and maintain. OWWA requires its members to have active and continuous employment and are “legal” or “documented workers” with valid work permits and visas.
Furthermore, OWWA accepts OFW members who have acquired permanent residency status in foreign countries and remain Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent jobs. Meanwhile, OFWs who cannot meet and maintain the qualification criteria cannot apply for 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 Venezuela
As of writing, there is no online appointment system for OWWA membership in Venezuela since this country doesn’t have a designated POLO. Thus, OFWs in Brazil should contact the Philippine Embassy in Brazil since they’re under their jurisdiction. OFWs can also inquire at the Philippine Consulate General in Georgetown and the Philippine Consulate in Suriname.
In addition, the Philippine Embassy in Brazil conducts a Consular Outreach Mission in Venezuela. So you may contact them regarding the appointment and if they offer labor-related services, such as OWWA membership registration and renewal.
On the other hand, OFWs in Venezuela may contact the nearest POLO offices in Los Angeles and Washington that conduct the Consular Outreach Mission. Lastly, OFWs vacationing in the Philippines should contact DMW or OWWA Regional office to secure an appointment for OWWA membership.
Applying for OWWA membership in Venezuela
Since the application process for OWWA membership in Venezuela is still unclear, OFWs may also refer to the regular mail and email procedure of POLO Washington. But note to contact the POLO Washington office to confirm if this process applies to OFWs in Venezuela.
Apart from the on-site application, OFWs in Venezuela can renew their membership through the OWWA mobile app, which is more convenient. Just download the app on your device and renew your OWWA membership online.
Paying OWWA Membership in Venezuela
Considering the limited information about OWWA membership in Venezuela, OFWs should contact the relevant offices to confirm the latest application process and requirements. Also, we advise OFWs to verify if the application process below still exists and applies to OFWs in Venezuela.
Nonetheless, OFWs processing their membership through the OWWA mobile app can pay the contribution fee via an online bank, e-wallet, or payment centers in the Philippines. For on-site application, you can pay the contribution fee once you qualify for OWWA membership.
Step-by-step process of Paying the OWWA membership
Here are the following processes to expect when paying the OWWA membership:
Via Email (For POLO Washington)
- Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Complete and scan the requirements.
- Email your documentary requirements to washington@owwa.gov.ph.
- Follow the instructions to pay the OWWA membership fee sent to your email if your application is approved.
- Take a screenshot of the OWWA membership fee payment receipt and send it to OWWA’s email to receive an email e-copy of your official receipt.
- Then, email OWWA to set an appointment for pick up to claim your OWWA membership’s original official receipt.
Via Consular Outreach Mission (For POLO Los Angeles/Washington & Philippine Embassy Brazil)
- Contact POLO Los Angeles/ Washington and the Philippine Embassy in Brazil.
- Book an appointment for OWWA membership.
- Visit the relevant office or designated application site.
- Head to the OWWA counter and present your requirements for evaluation.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee.
- Then, claim your OWWA membership official receipt.
Via Regular Mail (For POLO Washington)
- Download and fill out the OFW Information Sheet.
- Secure and photocopy the requirements.
- Ensure that the documents are complete.
- Add a self-addressed, stamped, and prepaid on the return envelope.
- Mail your requirements to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20036.
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 Venezuela
Please take note of the following reminders if your wish to renew or apply for OWWA membership in Venezuela:
- Currently, there is no designated POLO in Venezuela. The nearest POLO-OWWA offices from Venezuela are in Los Angeles and Washington.
- OFWs in Venezuela may process their OWWA membership through Consular Outreach Mission, 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 took 48 hours from the visit.
- We advise OFWs in Venezuela to contact the Philippine Embassy in Brazil, the Philippine Consulate General in Georgetown, and the Philippine Consulate in Suriname for more details. You may also contact your agency, POLO Los Angeles, and POLO Washington.
- Also, don’t forget to visit their official websites and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to book an appointment with OWWA in Venezuela?
As of writing, an online OWWA appointment isn’t available in Venezuela.
2. How do I renew my OWWA membership in Venezuela?
You can renew your OWWA membership in Venezuela 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 Venezuela?
The OWWA membership fee in Venezuela is US$25.00 converted to Bolívar 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: REQUIREMENTS para sa OWWA membership | alamin mo kung qualified ka ba o hindi!
For additional information on OWWA membership, please watch the video below:
As stated in the video, while OFWs can depart the country to their employment without an OWWA membership, being a member is essential to access benefits and assistance, especially during unexpected circumstances. But keep in mind that some OFWs cannot apply for OWWA membership.
Summary
All in all, the OWWA membership is beneficial to OFWs. So keeping an active OWWA membership will benefit its members in difficult times and even long term.
However, due to the limited details online, we still advise OFWs in Venezuela to contact the relevant offices for the latest procedure for OWWA membership application.
Contact Details
Philippine Embassy in Brazil
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: SEN 801, Avenue das Nações, Lote 01, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
Website: http://philembassybrasilia.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrazil
Email: info@philembassybrasilia.org
Telephone Number: +55 61 3224-8694
Embassy Hotline: +55 61 99389-3042
Philippine Consulate General, Georgetown
Address: Lot 46 “F” Brickdam & Boyle Place Stabroek – Georgetown, Guyana
Telephone Number: +592-227-7782, +592-225-0107, +592-223-8634
Mobile Number: +592-662-0017
Fax Number: +592-227-7783
Email: mpins@networksgy.com, manniramp1@gmail.com
Philippine Consulate, Suriname
Address: Nieuwe Charlesburgweg no. 95, Paramaribo, Suriname
Telephone Number: +597 422263, +597 426341
Email: lpksur@sr.net
POLO Washington, DC, USA
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 1617 Massachusetts Avenue North West, Washington, DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia
Website: https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064785936453
Email: laborofficewdc@gmail.com, wdcpolousa@gmail.com, washington@owwa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: +1 202-467-9426
POLO Los Angeles, California
Address: 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 3040, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90010
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA
Email: pololosangeles@gmail.com
Telephone Number: +1 213-223-1120
POLO Hotline: +1 213-944-2599