Expired OWWA Membership? Here’s How to Reactivate

Membership to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is mandatory for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), both land-based and sea-based. Registration includes making a contribution of USD 25 or its equivalent, granting the OFW an “active” membership status.

Once registered, an OFW becomes an OWWA member for up to two years. Membership expires when this period ends, or if the job contract for which membership was paid has ended, even if less than two years have passed. When membership expires, the OFW must renew or reactivate his/her status, to continue having access to OWWA’s programs and services.

3 Ways to Reactivate OWWA Membership

Fortunately, OFWs can choose from three methods of reactivating their OWWA membership: (a) going to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO); (b) the OWWA Regional Welfare Office; or (c) using the OWWA Mobile App.

Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

To reactivate their OWWA membership, OFWs abroad can go to the nearest Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which is located in the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Usually, a prior appointment is required before making a personal appearance.

At the office, OFWs need to submit their passport, job contract, and work permit or visa to MWO staff. Once their documents have been checked and verified, they can pay the membership fee of USD 25 (or equivalent), and that’s it. Their membership status becomes “active” again.

OWWA Regional Welfare Office

In the Philippines, OFWs who are planning to return abroad can go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office to reactivate their membership status. The requirements are the same: passport, job contract, work permit or visa. If the renewal is being handled by the OFW’s next-of-kin, an authorization letter and the representative’s ID are also required.

OWWA Mobile App

Another way to reactivate membership status is by using the OWWA Mobile App, the agency’s official e-service application. Using this app, OFWs can manage their membership, view their records, and stay updated on OWWA’s latest programs and services.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using the mobile app:

1. Download the OWWA Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play. Register and create an account.
2. Log in to check your membership status. If the screen displays “Inactive,” click the “Renew Membership” button.
3. Fill out the online OFW Information Sheet, making sure that all details are correct and updated.
4. Choose a payment option (e.g. BancNet, LandBank, GCash, Maya, etc.) and pay the membership fee.
5. After payment, the membership status will display “Active” within 24 to 48 hours.

Payment Channels

Depending on the method used in reactivating OWWA membership, OFWs can choose from several payment options, including: digital wallets (GCash, Maya); banks (LandBank, Bancnet-member banks); and over-the-counter payment centers (Bayad Center, SM Department Store, 7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop).

To continue having access to OWWA’s programs and services, OFWs must ensure that their membership status remains active. They can renew or reactivate this by going to an OWWA Regional Welfare Office, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) if abroad, or by using the OWWA Mobile App.

Notably, GCash is a recent addition to the agency’s recognized payment partners. Check out this guide to learn how you can pay OWWA membership contributions through this digital wallet.