What is OWWA and how much does membership cost?

OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) is a Philippine government agency providing welfare services to OFWs. Membership costs USD 25 (or PHP 1,575 equivalent) and is valid for 2 years or the duration of your contract, whichever is longer. Benefits include death benefits (up to PHP 200,000), disability benefits, scholarship programs for dependents, repatriation assistance, and pre-departure loan assistance.

What is the difference between POLO and MWO?

They are the same office with a new name. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) was renamed to Migrant Workers Office (MWO) under Republic Act 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in 2021. MWO offices are attached to Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide and provide the same services: contract verification, labour dispute assistance, and welfare case management.

What is the difference between POEA and DMW?

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) was merged into the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in 2022 under RA 11641. All POEA functions including overseas employment regulation, licensing of recruitment agencies, and issuance of OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) are now handled by DMW. References to POEA in older documents refer to what is now DMW.

How do I get an OFW ID?

The OFW ID (iDOLE) is a government-issued identification card for registered Overseas Filipino Workers. Apply online through the DMW website or in person at DMW offices (Manila) or MWO offices (abroad). Requirements include valid passport, employment contract, OEC or OFW record, and a recent 2x2 photo. The card is free and serves as a valid ID for government transactions in the Philippines.

What is an OEC and is it still required?

The OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate), formerly called the exit clearance or e-Receipt, is a document certifying that an OFW has been properly documented and has a verified employment contract. It is still required for all land-based OFWs. Returning OFWs with existing contracts can get an OEC exemption (BM Online) through the DMW website. Seafarers have a separate process through their manning agencies.

What should I do if I have a labour dispute with my employer abroad?

Contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO, formerly POLO) attached to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country. MWO provides free legal assistance, mediation services, and can help file formal complaints. You can also call the DMW hotline 1348 (in the Philippines) or the embassy ATN (Assistance-to-Nationals) unit. Document everything: keep copies of your contract, pay slips, and any communication with your employer.

Can OWWA help with repatriation if I lose my job abroad?

Yes. OWWA provides repatriation assistance for distressed OFWs including those who lose their jobs, face abuse, or need to return home for medical reasons. This includes plane tickets, airport assistance, temporary shelter, and livelihood assistance upon return. Contact the nearest Philippine embassy ATN unit or MWO office. The DFA 24/7 hotline is +63-2-8834-4000.

What OWWA scholarship programs are available for OFW families?

OWWA offers several scholarship programs: (1) Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for dependents pursuing college degrees, covering tuition and allowance; (2) Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) for OFWs and dependents taking TESDA courses; (3) OFW Dependents Scholarship Program for elementary and high school. Apply through the OWWA regional welfare office or MWO abroad. Active OWWA membership is required.

OFW Services Abroad 2026 — OWWA, DMW, MWO Complete Directory

A comprehensive guide to every government service available to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in 2026. From OWWA membership to DMW deployment, MWO assistance, OFW ID, repatriation, scholarships, and welfare benefits — all in one resource.

Name changes: POEA is now DMW (Department of Migrant Workers). POLO is now MWO (Migrant Workers Office). This guide uses the current names but includes the old names for reference, as many OFWs and embassies still use them informally.

OFW Government Agencies — Who Does What

Agency	Old Name	Role	Where
DMW (Department of Migrant Workers)	POEA + OWWA + parts of DFA/DOLE	Oversees all OFW deployment, regulation, and welfare. Issues OEC, licenses recruitment agencies.	Philippines + MWO offices abroad
OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration)	Same (now under DMW)	Welfare fund: membership, benefits, scholarships, repatriation, insurance. Funded by $25 membership fees.	Philippines + attached to MWO abroad
MWO (Migrant Workers Office)	POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office)	On-the-ground labour assistance at embassies: contract verification, dispute resolution, welfare cases.	Attached to Philippine embassies abroad
ATN (Assistance-to-Nationals)	Same (under DFA)	Emergency consular assistance: legal aid, repatriation, shelter, medical emergencies.	Philippine embassies abroad

OWWA Membership

OWWA Membership Details

$25

Membership Fee

2 yrs

Validity

2.3M+

Active Members

How to apply / renew:

Before deployment: Paid through your recruitment agency as part of OEC processing
Abroad: Visit the MWO (formerly POLO) at the nearest Philippine Embassy
Online: Through the OWWA website or DMW app (for renewal)
In the Philippines: At any OWWA regional welfare office or DMW office

OWWA Benefits:

Benefit	Amount	Eligibility
Death benefit (natural causes)	PHP 100,000	Active member at time of death
Death benefit (work-related)	PHP 200,000	Active member, work-related cause
Disability benefit	PHP 50,000-100,000	Work-related disability
Burial assistance	PHP 20,000	Active member
Medical assistance (abroad)	Case-by-case	Active member, emergency
Repatriation assistance	Plane ticket + support	Distressed OFW
Education scholarship (EDSP)	Tuition + allowance	Dependents of active members
Skills training (SESP)	TESDA course fees	OFWs and dependents
Reintegration/livelihood	PHP 20,000-50,000 loan	Returning OFWs

OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)

The OEC (also called e-Receipt) is your proof of legal OFW status. It certifies your employment contract has been verified by DMW and you are properly documented.

Who needs an OEC:

All land-based OFWs on their first deployment
OFWs with new employers or new contracts
Returning OFWs — can apply for OEC exemption (BM Online) via DMW website

How to get an OEC:

Register on the DMW website (dmw.gov.ph)
Upload employment contract and supporting documents
Pay OWWA membership ($25) if not yet paid
OEC issued electronically — print or save digital copy
Present at airport departure

OEC Exemption (Balik-Manggagawa / BM Online):

Returning OFWs with existing contracts can skip the full OEC process by registering through BM Online on the DMW website. Requirements: valid passport, existing OEC from previous deployment, and active employment contract. Processing is instant online.

OFW ID (iDOLE Card)

The OFW ID is a government-issued identification card that serves as a valid ID for all transactions in the Philippines including banking, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

How to get your OFW ID:

Online: Apply through the DMW website
In person (Philippines): DMW one-stop centres
Abroad: MWO offices at Philippine embassies

Requirements:

Valid passport
Employment contract or OEC
OWWA membership (active)
Recent 2x2 photo (white background)
Fee: Free

MWO Offices by Region

Migrant Workers Offices (MWO, formerly POLO) are located at Philippine embassies in countries with significant OFW populations:

Middle East

Country	MWO Locations	OFW Population (est.)
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar	~800,000
UAE	Abu Dhabi, Dubai	~700,000
Qatar	Doha	~260,000
Kuwait	Kuwait City	~240,000
Bahrain	Manama	~60,000
Oman	Muscat	~35,000
Jordan	Amman	~25,000

Asia-Pacific

Country	MWO Locations	OFW Population (est.)
Hong Kong	Hong Kong (PCG)	~220,000
Singapore	Singapore	~200,000
Japan	Tokyo, Osaka	~320,000
South Korea	Seoul	~60,000
Taiwan	Taipei	~150,000
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur	~130,000
Australia	Canberra, Sydney	~400,000

Americas & Europe

Country	MWO Locations	OFW Population (est.)
United States	Washington DC, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Honolulu	~4,000,000
Canada	Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver	~950,000
United Kingdom	London	~250,000
Italy	Rome, Milan	~170,000

OFW Protection & Assistance

If You Are in Distress

Contact these numbers immediately:

DFA 24/7 Hotline: +63-2-8834-4000
DMW Hotline (1348): Available from Philippines; abroad: +63-2-1348
Nearest Philippine Embassy ATN Unit: Find your embassy
OWWA Operations Centre: +63-2-8551-6641

Services for Distressed OFWs

Repatriation: Free plane ticket home for distressed workers (abuse, unpaid wages, contract violations)
Legal assistance: Free lawyers for labour disputes and criminal cases
Temporary shelter: Safe houses operated by embassies for runaway domestic workers and abuse victims
Medical assistance: Emergency medical care coordination and financial help
Counselling: Psychosocial support for distressed OFWs
Livelihood upon return: OWWA reintegration programs (loans, training) for returning distressed OFWs

Government Benefits for OFWs

Agency	Service	How to Access Abroad
SSS	Social security, retirement, maternity, sickness, disability, death	Pay contributions through SSS website or local banks. Voluntary membership for OFWs.
PhilHealth	Health insurance (in PH), OFW program	Pay premiums at MWO or PhilHealth offices. OFW premium: PHP 4,800/year (2026).
Pag-IBIG	Housing fund, savings, loans	Register and pay at MWO offices or online. Can access housing loans and savings.

OWWA Scholarship Programs

EDSP (College)

Full tuition + PHP 10,000/semester allowance for dependents of active OWWA members pursuing 4-year college degrees. Apply through OWWA Regional Office.

SESP (Skills Training)

TESDA course fees covered for OFWs and dependents. Covers vocational and technical training courses. Apply through OWWA or MWO.

Dependents (K-12)

Financial assistance for elementary and high school dependents of active members. PHP 5,000-10,000 per school year.

DOLE ABOT-ALAM

Alternative learning system for OFWs who did not complete formal education. Free distance learning programs.

OFW Hotlines

DFA 24/7: +63-2-8834-4000
DMW (1348): +63-2-1348
OWWA: +63-2-8551-6641
SSS: +63-2-8920-6446

OFW General Guide OWWA Membership Working Abroad Find an Embassy OFW Insurance Guide SSS Abroad