The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Vancouver, BC administers the registration or renewal of OWWA membership to avail of the welfare programs and services that respond to the needs of its member-OFWs and their families. Some of these welfare programs include social benefits, education and training opportunities, repatriation services, and livelihood assistance programs.
For the Canadian Dollar equivalent of US$25.00 membership contribution, an OWWA member is entitled to the following benefits and services:
Registration or Renewal of OWWA Membership
- Email: Workers may register or renew their OWWA membership by sending via e-mail the following requirements to vancouver@owwa.gov.ph:
- Valid employment contract or any proof of existing employment;
- Valid work permit/work visa;
- Photocopy of passport page showing photo and personal data; and
- Accomplished OWWA membership form.
- The Worker will receive a video call through their social media account for evaluation. If qualified, the worker will receive instructions on how to settle their OWWA membership fee in the amount equivalent to USD 25 in Canadian Dollars.
- Workers will receive the e-receipt through their e-mail addresses. New OWWA members will be eligible to avail of OWWA’s regular programs & services, and special programs after three (3) months from their enrollment.
- OWWA Mobile Application: Workers may download the application from the Google Store or Apple App Store and view the tutorial through this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ciy1TQrZAb8
- OWWA Regional Welfare Offices: Workers may also renew their OWWA membership with the help of their family members in the Philippines by simply submitting the following requirements to their nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office:
- Valid employment contract or any proof of existing employment;
- Valid work permit/work visa;
- Photocopy of passport page showing photo and personal data;
- Authorization from OFW-member;
- Valid ID of Authorized Representative;
- Accomplished OWWA membership form; and
- The amount equivalent to USD 25 in Philippine Pesos.
Health Care, Disability, and Death Benefits
- Health Program for OFWs (HEALTHPRO): Subsidized medical and hospitalization services for OFWs in response to the medical assistance needs of distressed OFWs abroad or upon arrival.
- OFW Medical Rehabilitation Program: A special health package to extend sustainable medical rehabilitation services for returning OFWs who are either suffering from any form of mental disorder/illness or physical disability.
- Disability and Dismemberment Benefit: A member is entitled to disability/dismemberment benefit of up to Php50,000.00 and Php100,000.00 in case of total permanent disability.
- Death Benefit: A member is entitled to a benefit of Php100,000.00 for the duration of his/her employment contract for death due to natural causes and Php200,000.00 for death due to accident.
- Burial Benefit: A burial benefit of Php20,000.00 shall be provided in case of the member’s death.
Education and Training Benefits
- Pre-Departure Education Program (PDEP): The PDEP is a mandatory training for all departing migrant workers, such as the Country-specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for OFWs bound for Canada. Participants are presented with a comprehensive module with sessions on contract familiarization, profile of the country of destination, stages of the OFWs life, health and safety, airport procedures and government programs.
- Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP): for short-term (up to two years) vocational or technicians course for OFWs and their dependents. A maximum of Php14,000.00 per course shall be provided to qualified OFWs or their beneficiary.
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP): for four-to five-year baccalaureate courses. A maximum of Php60,000.00 per year shall be provided to qualified beneficiaries of OFWs.
- OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFW DSP): OWWA provides financial assistance of Php20,000.00 per year to poor but deserving dependents of OFWs with monthly salaries of not more than US$400.00/month. Qualifiers are entitled to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university.
- OWWA-Microsoft Tulay: free information and communication technology (ICT) skills training, access to technology and communication via the internet.
- Tuloy-Aral Project (TAP): educational assistance through US$100.00 financial support to augment the school needs of less fortunate elementary and high school children of former OFWs. This is extended to include the tertiary level of education leading to either an associate or baccalaureate degree.
On-Site Assistance and Services
- OFW Welfare Assistance: location of OFW whereabouts, information and guidance, counseling and conciliation services, medical and legal assistance, community organizing, workplace and hospital visitation, etc.
- Repatriation Program: negotiation with employers and agents, repatriation of distressed workers, shipment of human remains and belongings, airport assistance, OWWA Halfway House accommodation, and coordination with families through the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs).
Social Services and Family Welfare Assistance
- Reintegration Program: A program for the member-OFW’s economic and social reintegration through business counseling, community organizing, financial literacy seminars, networking with support institutions, social preparation programs and livelihood loans.
To avail of these OWWA services and/or benefits, OWWA members can send an email to: vancouver@owwa.gov.ph
Please refer to the link for information on OWWA Regional Offices: https://owwa.gov.ph/index.php/contact-us
OWWA – Vancouver can be reached at:
Labor Section – Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver
World Trade Center Office Complex, Suite 601, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C3E1
Email: vancouver@owwa.gov.ph
Telephone: (+1) 604 641 1234
More information is available at: https://www.vancouverpcg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/E-Registration-or-Renewal-of-OWWA-Membership.pdf
