The On-Site Membership Program and Prescribing its Implementing Guidelines

January 21, 2013

OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTION NO. 001-13

THE ON-SITE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AND PRESCRIBING ITS IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES

In the interest of the service, and in view of the need to further strengthen the implementation of the On-Site Membership Program (formerly the Voluntary Membership Program), the following guidelines are hereby promulgated:

1. Nature of the Program

The On-Site Membership Program (OSM) is an enrolment or registration scheme for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are in the work destinations. It shall cover the following:

1.1. OFWs whose OWWA membership had expired; and

1.2. OFWs who enroll as first-time members, provided they are gainfully employed overseas at the time of registration.

2. General Policies

2.1. Membership through the OSMP is a continuing commitment of OWWA to promote the welfare and protection of its OFW-members;

2.2. Membership through the OSMP provides the OFW with services and access to OWWA benefits and programs. However, it shall not serve as:

2.2.1 a substitute for registration as a regularly documented OFW; and,

2.2.2 an authority to legalize the stay of the OFW and work in the destination country.

2.3. The OSMP shall be implemented in countries where there is no deployment ban enforced by the Philippine government;

2.4. OFWs who have been employed in a destination country where a deployment ban is enforced by the Philippine government may avail of the OSMP, provided they had arrived in that country before the imposition of the ban. Renewal of membership may be allowed provided they remain under the employ of the same employer;

2.5. Membership shall be on a per contract basis, with a maximum validity period of two (2) years; and,

2.6. OFWs who enroll/register for the first time under the OSMP shall apply personally at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or at the recognized/authorized registration centers.

3. Eligibility

The following are eligible for membership enrollment/renewal under the OSMP:

3.1. OFWs who are of legal age and who are gainfully employed at the time of registration;

3.2. OFWs who have acquired regular/permanent residency status in the foreign country of work, but who have remained Filipino citizens; and,

3.3. OFWs who left the country without proper documentation as OFW from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and who have obtained gainful employment in the destination country.

4. Documentary Requirements

The following documentary requirements shall be submitted upon membership enrollment/renewal:

4.1. Accomplished OSMP Information Sheet;

4.2. Proof of employment such as work contract/work permit, employment offer, pay slip, certificate of employment from the company/employer, company identification card, and/or other relevant evidence of employment; and

4.3. Copy of passport showing photo and personal data.

5. Renewal and Payment of Membership

5.1. Membership renewal and payment of membership fees may be done at the POLO in the country of work or at any recognized registration and collection centers; and

5.2. In the absence of a POLO or a recognized registration/collection centers on site, the renewal of membership of the OFW, as well as the payment of fees, may be done by a member of his immediate family or next of kin (NOK) in the Philippines at the nearest Regional Welfare Office (RWO) of the OWWA, subject to the submission of the documentary requirements under Item 4.

6. Repealing Clause

All issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with this MOI are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

7. Effectivity

This Memorandum of Instruction takes effect immediately.

 

(SGD.) CARMELITA S. DIMZON, DPAAdministrator