The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is a Philippine government agency that is tasked to protect the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. Being a member of OWWA entitles the OFW and his/her dependents to certain benefits and privileges, as well as essential services.
In Taiwan, OFWs can renew their OWWA membership at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). This office is responsible for handling passport services, visa services, assistance to nationals, notarial services, and other programs for Filipinos in the country.
Guide to Renewing OWWA Membership in Taiwan
If you are an OFW based in Taiwan, and your membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is about to expire, keep on reading to learn how you can renew your OWWA membership at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
What is OWWA?
Established in 1979, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) was created to help protect the welfare and interests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). As a government-mandated institution, this agency provides insurance coverage, along with different types of benefits and services for OFWs and their families.
When members pay their contribution to OWWA, their membership with the institution shall be valid for two (2) years — regardless of their location of employment, duration of contract, recruitment agency, or change of employer. After two years, the membership needs to be renewed as long as they continue working abroad.
Programs and Services
OWWA provides different types of programs and services, starting from before the OFW leaves the Philippines. These include pre-departure orientation seminars, cultural integration, counseling, and discussions about personal safety and employment rights.
Furthermore, OWWA provides healthcare benefits such as medical assistance, hospitalization assistance, and disability benefits, depending on the OFWs’ needs. For those in distress, the agency also operates temporary shelters and halfway houses, where OFWs can receive counseling, essential services, and other forms of help.
OWWA also offers various programs for OFWs and their families like livelihood aid, scholarships and training. These include the Livelihood Development Program (LDP) and the Education and Training Assistance Program (ETAP), which aim to empower OFWs by providing training and financial assistance.
Qualifications
At this point, it’s important to clarify who are eligible to apply or renew their membership with OWWA. These include the following:
- OFWs with valid visas and work permits, or those who are “legal” or “documented” by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW); and
- OFWs who have attained permanent residency status in their host countries, while remaining as Filipino citizens.
On the other hand, the following persons are NOT eligible to apply or renew their membership with OWWA:
- Workers who have resigned from their job;
- Workers who have been terminated or are due for termination;
- Persons whose employment have been canceled or are due for cancellation; and
- Persons who are not currently working nor receiving payment for their work.
Requirements
When applying for the renewal of your OWWA membership, be sure to prepare the following requirements:
- Filled up OWWA OFW Information Sheet;
- Original and photocopy of passport with photo, name, and signature (data page);
- Copy of current employment contract or Certificate of Employment (with English translation and the name and signature of translator);
- Copy of Alien Registration Card (ARC);
- Letter of certification from employer, stating that the applicant is not on the list of terminated, canceled, resigned, or employees due for termination; and
- Membership contribution of TWD 758, or the equivalent of USD 25.
NOTE: Personal appearance is necessary for the application process. Moreover, make sure that your visa is valid for more than 90 days.
How to Schedule an Appointment with MECO
Aside from gathering and preparing your documents, you need to set an appointment with MECO as part of the application process. Notably, the office has an appointment system that enables applicants to schedule appointments online.
Of course, make sure that you are applying for an appointment with the nearest MECO office. The head office is located in Taipei, although there are extension offices in Taichung and Kaohsiung, as well. You can book appointments through the same website.
To schedule an appointment with MECO, follow these steps:
- Visit this link to go to the MECO Appointment System.
- Choose the tab corresponding to the MECO office that you’re going to (i.e. Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung).
- Under “Services,” select Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
- Select your preferred date and time of appointment.
- Enter your name, address, email, and contact number.
Provide additional details such as passport number, ARC number, Taiwan ID number, etc. - Review and check your details to make sure the information entered is correct.
- Print a copy of your scheduled appointment. Make sure that you have gathered all the requirements before going to the MECO office.
Steps to Renew OWWA Membership
Meanwhile, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do on the date and time of your appointment:
- Go to the MECO office and present your confirmed appointment booking.
- Look for the designated OWWA counter or section at the office.
- Show your documents to the staff and mention that you are renewing your OWWA membership. The staff will check your documents and guide you throughout the application process.
- Pay the necessary fees for your OWWA membership renewal and get your receipt.
- As soon as your application is processed, that’s it! Your OWWA membership has been renewed; you can avail of the agency’s programs and services.
Video: Requirements for OWWA Membership in Taiwan
To learn more about the requirements for renewing your OWWA membership in Taiwan, watch this video featured by Johona YouTube channel. The vlogger talks about her own experience, discussing the latest requirements and membership fees:
Additional Reminders
Before renewing your OWWA membership, please take note of these important reminders:
- Ensure that all your documents are complete. Incomplete requirements will not be entertained.
- For more information about OWWA, you can contact the MECO office nearest you (i.e. Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung).
Contact Information: OWWA Center
In Taipei, the OWWA Center is located in the MECO office building. Here are the office’s contact details and location map:
Address: 3F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan
Telephone: +886 2 2658 8825
Website: https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MECO.official/
Google Map:
Speaking of OWWA, check out this article for more details about the agency’s support programs for OFWs and their dependents.