OWWA membership: the fee, how long it lasts and how to renew

The short version

Fee

USD 25

Who pays

Your employer

How long it lasts

Until the contract ends, or 2 years

• The fee. Membership takes effect when the contribution of “twenty-five US dollars (US$ 25.00)” is paid (RA 10801 Sec. 9). We do not show a peso amount because it depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay.
• Who pays. “Contributions to the OWWA Fund must be paid by the employers or principals.” If the employer does not pay, the recruitment or manning agency pays for new hires (Sec. 18).
• How long it lasts. Membership is active “until the expiration of the OFWs existing employment contract” or two years from the start of the contract, whichever comes first (Sec. 9).

Being an active member is what makes you and your family eligible for OWWA’s benefits, scholarships and help when you come home.

Who can be a member

An OWWA member is “an OFW with a paid contribution or membership fee” (RA 10801 Sec. 7(f)). The law gives two ways in (Sec. 8):

1. Compulsory registration when DMW processes your employment contract. This covers most land-based and sea-based OFWs who leave through DMW.
2. Voluntary registration at your job site abroad, or through electronic registration. This is for OFWs who were not registered through DMW, for example some who found work while already abroad.

Voluntary members at a job site pay their contribution directly to the OWWA office at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate (Sec. 13(b)).

When membership expires, the law calls you a “non-active” member (Sec. 7(d)). Some OWWA programmes still help non-active members, at lower amounts, for example the cash help for returning workers. See OWWA reintegration.

Checking your status

• OWWA e-Card. OWWA calls the e-Card “proof of active membership with OWWA”, and DMW Advisory No. 44, s. 2026 recognises it as an OFW’s primary ID. There is a digital version in the OWWA Mobile App and eGovPH, and a physical card. Scanning its QR code shows your membership details. It is an ID, separate from the exit clearance you need to fly (see the OFW Pass guide). OWWA’s e-Card FAQ says “the first issuance of the OWWA eCard is free” for OFWs with active membership, a valid passport and proof of membership. You can apply at the OFW Lounges in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, the OWWA head office in Pasay, OWWA’s NCR regional office, DMW in Ortigas and the OWWA Seafarer’s Hub in Ermita. A replacement goes through the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
• In person or by phone. The OWWA desk at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) where you work, or an OWWA Regional Welfare Office in the Philippines, can check your membership record. Most OWWA benefit claims start with that record (OWWA Citizen’s Charter 2026). OWWA’s 24/7 hotline is 1348, and its email is owwacares@owwa.gov.ph (OWWA contact page).

Renewing

OWWA’s Citizen’s Charter 2026 says membership “shall be renewed, provided there is proof of active employment”, and that:

• From abroad, you can renew through the OWWA Mobile App or at the OWWA desk at your job site’s MWO.
• At home, your next of kin or relatives can renew for you at the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.

What the Charter lists for membership: a copy of your passport showing your photo and personal data, proof of employment, and an information sheet, with the USD 25 fee.

The law says the fee is paid by employers. If your employer does not pay a renewal, ask the OWWA desk at your MWO what to do. OWWA may collect a new contribution only once every two years (Sec. 9).

When membership lapses

If your membership is not active, you may not qualify for some OWWA programmes, or you may get a lower amount. It is easier to check your status and renew while you still have proof of employment abroad.

What active members can claim is in OWWA benefits.

For education help for your children, see OWWA scholarships.