According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) survey, there were an estimated 1.96 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as of September 2022. With this large number of people the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) needs to take care of, they need to be more organized and careful in documenting every Filipino worker abroad.
The OFW Information Sheet is an important OWWA membership form. OWWA members must fill out the form carefully and ensure all the information is true and updated. This information sheet will help provide and avail programs and services from OWWA. So if you are soon to be an OFW or already an OFW, fill out the information sheet and become a member.
The OWWA Information Sheet can be done upon processing the contract at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or OWWA on-site membership program. You must input some personal information, employment contract details, and beneficiary details.
Purpose of OFW Information Sheet Application Form
The main purpose of the OFW Information Sheet Application Form is to document all OFWs. If you are a first-time applicant or you are about to renew your membership, you need to fill out the application form to become an eligible member and enjoy programs and services from OWWA.
Applicants need to provide information such as:
- Personal Date. Applicants must provide their full name, contact number, complete Philippine address, email address, passport number, date of birth, gender, civil status, highest educational attainment, and course.
- Contract Details. Applicants must provide information written in their contracts such as the name of the company or employer, company address, contact number, job site/country, position, monthly salary/currency, contract period term, and name of the agency (if hired under the agency)
- Beneficiary Details. Applicants must also provide details of the beneficiaries’ full name, date of birth, contact number, email address, and relationship to the applicant. Beneficiaries can be the spouse and children if married and parents if the applicant is single.
Qualifications and Requirements to Become an OWWA Member
The OWWA sets a list of qualifications that applicants must meet before becoming a member.
- Must be in legal age (18 years old and above)
- Must be employed as a first-time applicant
- Expired OWWA membership (for renewal applicant)
- A resident or permanent resident abroad but the citizenship is still Filipino
- No proper documentation from POEA upon departure but was hired for work while staying abroad
There is also a list of documentary requirements you need to prepare to become an OWWA member.
- Duly accomplished OWWA Information Sheet
- Proof of employment abroad such as an employment contract, company ID, work permit, etc.
- Photocopy of passport (photo and personal information). Passport validity must be 90 days.
Requirements for renewal membership:
- Original passport
- Verified employment contract (OFW must be actively and continuously working)
- Visa with at least 90 days validity
Some OFWs are not qualified to get OWWA membership. If the OFW or OFW’s contract is:
- For termination
- Terminated
- For cancellation
- Cancelled
- Resigned
- No work, no pay
When applying for OWWA membership, you may wanna call the OWWA offices first as some of them might require you to book an appointment.
Downloadable OFW Information Sheet
You can get a copy of the application form at the OWWA main office, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), POEA, or download it from the internet. Click this link to get a copy: https://owwa.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/OWWA-OFW-INFORMATION-SHEET.pdf
Here’s the sample OFW Information Sheet:
Video: How to Fill up Information Sheet & Renewal form / Tutorial #ofw
If you want to see a sample of how to fill out the OFW Information Sheet, watch this video by Pinky Rose G. and watch how she fills out the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a copy of the OWWA application form?
You can get a copy of the application form in POEA, OWWA main office, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs), or simply download it online. Click this link to download: https://owwa.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/OWWA-OFW-INFORMATION-SHEET.pdf
How much is the OFW Information Sheet?
The information sheet application form is free but the OWWA membership is not. First-time applicants or renewing members have to pay 25 USD. This is the only fee you will pay when applying for OWWA membership.
Where can I renew my OWWA membership?
If you are in the Philippines, you can renew your membership in the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) near you. If you live abroad, you can go to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO-OWWA office). You can also apply online through the OWWA website and ask a family member back in the Philippines to pay the fee for you.
What are the requirements for the OWWA membership?
The requirements for applying for OWWA membership are a duly accomplished OWWA Information Sheet, proof of employment abroad such as an employment contract, company ID, work permit, etc., and a photocopy of passport (photo and personal information). Passport validity must be 90 days.
When do I have to renew my membership in OWWA?
Members can renew their OWWA membership every 2 years. There is a fee of 25 USD per renewal.
I am an OFW. Do I need to be an OWWA member?
It is highly recommended to be part of OWWA to be avail to utilize the programs and services that OWWA is offering. A lot of people who lost their jobs when the pandemic hit were able to get back on their feet with the help of OWWA programs. OWWA offers financial, educational, and livelihood assistance to OFWs and their beneficiaries.
Summary
The OFW Information Sheet is an official record of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The OWWA needed compiled and easy access to OFWs’ files to give them the best programs and services. Being a member of OWWA will also give OFWs security not only for themselves but also for their family.
For only 25 USD every two years, you and your family can enjoy lots of benefits and services. So be a member and take advantage of all the programs and services that OWWA can offer.