Filipinos leaving Dubai rush to get last-minute OWWA membership, rules clarified

  DUBAI – Hundreds of Filipinos in Dubai have reportedly rushed to file for membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ahead of their flight to the Philippines. Applicants were hoping that the OWWA membership will spare them from the cost of the mandatory Covid-19 swab test and 14-day quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines. Covid-19 testing and quarantine accommodation are free of cost for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are OWWA members.

OWWA membership applications rejected

On Wednesday (July 15), some Filipinos took to social media claiming that their applications were rejected. Dubai resident, Jane Salvador, told Expatmedia.net that her membership application was rejected because her visa was about to be cancelled. “I was told I can no longer become a member of OWWA and that I have to pay for my quarantine facilities once I reach NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). This statement from the officer made me really frustrated and disappointed because I was trying to be a member of OWWA and willing to pay before I go back to the Philippines and get assistance from the government once I reach my home country,” Salvador told Expatmedia.net. Salvador said it was her first time to apply for OWWA membership. The Filipina said she lost her job on April 1 and that her residence visa is due to be cancelled on the third week of July. She is scheduled to fly home to the Philippines on August 18. "I wanted a clarification on the requirements posted online. I hope you can help me voice this issue out to everyone because I am also concerned for my fellow OFWs with the same issue as mine," she told Expatmedia.net.

OWWA Dubai clarifies membership rules

Speaking to Expatmedia.net, an officer at OWWA Dubai clarified that only those whose UAE residence visas are still valid for more than 90 days and are “actively working until December” will be approved for membership. “If their residence visa is still valid for more than 90 days from the date of their application and if they are still actively working until December, their application for membership will be approved,” OWWA officer Yolly told Expatmedia.net. The OWWA officer also assured that all active and even inactive OWWA members will get free quarantine when they arrive in the Philippines, with the cost to be paid for by OWWA as previously announced by Philippine authorities. “As long as you are or were an OWWA member, you will get assistance with regards to quarantine cost in the Philippines,” the OWWA officer said, adding that the recent rush of hundreds of applicants at the OWWA office in Dubai were from those worried that inactive membership will forfeit their privilege of free quarantine. The OWWA Dubai officer also clarified to Expatmedia.net that inactive or active OWWA members who are due for termination from work, or have been terminated from work, with cancelled residence visa, due for visa cancellation, have resigned from work or forced on no work, no pay scheme do not need to pay to renew their OWWA membership. The officer also reminded OFWs in the UAE, particularly those who arrived in the emirates on visit visa or tourist visa but found jobs here, to avoid last-minute membership applications for OWWA, adding that they should consider it as an "insurance policy" throughout their tenure as OFWs. ICA/PIA/Expat Media

Requirements for OWWA membership or renewal

1. Book appointment through http://www.polodubaiportal.org/appointments 2. Bring original passport 3. Bring POLO-verified employment contract 4. Visa valid for more than 90 days 5. OFW must be actively and continuously working 6. Certification from company to prove that OFW is not included in list of employees with any of the following situations: terminated from work, resigned from work, with cancelled visa, due for visa cancellation, due for termination from work 7. Personal appearance at OWWA Dubai 8. Fee of Dh92
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