Unlock Exclusive Benefits: The Ultimate Guide to OWWA Membership Renewal for OFWs in Kuwait
Importance of OWWA Membership for OFWs in Kuwait
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait, an OWWA membership is more than just a prerequisite for working abroad. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is the agency responsible for safeguarding the welfare and working conditions of Filipinos overseas.
Maintaining your OWWA membership is crucial as it ensures that you are covered in various situations while working abroad, and even upon your return to the Philippines. The membership provides a range of insurance coverages and social benefits, making it essential to keep your membership active.
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Guide to Renewing OWWA Membership for OFWs in Kuwait
Before you left for Kuwait, you were required to register for an OWWA membership. Whether you knew the benefits at the time or not, you were added to the department’s database. Membership lasts two years, aligning with the typical duration of an employment contract, after which it must be renewed.
To help you with this, here is a detailed guide on renewing your OWWA membership while in Kuwait.
Benefits and Programs Offered by OWWA
As an OWWA member, you can avail yourself of various benefits and programs, including:
- Disability and Dismemberment Benefit: Up to Php 100,000 for accident-related injuries.
- Death and Burial Benefits: Php 100,000 for natural causes and Php 200,000 for accidental causes. An additional Php 20,000 is provided for funeral expenses.
- Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDPlus): Up to Php 50,000 for treatments or surgeries for serious diseases.
- Welfare Assistance Programs (WAP): Assistance for active or non-active members or their families not eligible for other OWWA programs.
Welfare Assistance Program Coverage
- Calamity Assistance: For members and their families affected by natural or human-induced calamities.
- Bereavement Assistance: For families of deceased OWWA members.
- Medical Assistance: For illnesses not covered under MEDPlus and injuries from accidents or crimes.
- Relief Assistance: For those displaced or laid off due to economic, political, or health crises.
Requirements for OWWA Membership Renewal at POLO-OWWA Kuwait
To renew your OWWA membership at the Philippine Embassy POLO-OWWA in Kuwait, you will need:
- OFW Information Sheet Membership Form
- Original passport
- Certificate of Employment/Contract Verification (2 copies)
- Certificate from employer confirming you are not on the list of employees due for termination/cancelled contract/resigned
- POLO-verified contract
- Membership fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing OWWA Membership in Kuwait
Follow these steps to renew your OWWA membership in Kuwait without an appointment:
- Get a renewal form at the OWWA Kuwait Office.
- Request a Certificate of Employment/Contract Verification from your employer.
- Wait for your turn if there is a queue and proceed to the payment window.
- Pay the Certificate of Employment/Contract Verification Fee (3.25 KD / 11 USD).
- Proceed to the OWWA window and pay the membership fee (8.93 KD / 30 USD).
- Receive a receipt for your membership renewal.
Additional Information
- Office Hours: The embassy is open from 7 am to 12:30 pm. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak hours from 9 am to 10 am.
- Future Updates: Follow the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait’s Facebook page for updates on possible changes to the appointment system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the OWWA Membership Renewal fee?
The fee is 7.56 KD (Php 1,446) for a two-year validity period.
Can I settle other fees at the Philippine embassy?
Yes, you can also pay SSS contributions and Pag-IBIG voluntary contributions.
Can I renew my OWWA membership during my free time?
Currently, there is no appointment policy, making it convenient for those with irregular schedules. However, this may change due to COVID-19 protocols.
CONTACT INFORMATION
POLO-OWWA Kuwait
Office Hours: 7am to 2 pm (Sundays to Thursdays)
Temporary Address: Building 133, Street 304, Blk 3, Sabah Al-Salem Area, Kuwait
Other Address: Abdullah Al Hamad Hashimi St Kuwait (this is where you should go for the processing and verification of your contract, vaccination certificate validation, OWWA membership renewal, and Pag-IBIG Fund and SSS member application)
Telephone Number: +965 9403 9063
E-mail: polokuwait2017@gmail.com, kuwait@owwa.gov.ph
Website: https://kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Final Thoughts on OWWA Membership for OFWs in Kuwait
Maintaining an active OWWA membership is crucial for OFWs in Kuwait. It ensures that you and your family can enjoy the various benefits and services offered by OWWA. This guide provides all the essential information to help you renew your membership with ease.
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