For OFWs based in Ireland and the United Kingdom, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) serve as indispensable documents, ensuring not only compliance with legal requirements but also access to vital services and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned OFW or preparing for your first venture abroad, understanding the intricacies of obtaining these essential documents is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the step-by-step process of applying for both the OEC and OWWA membership from Ireland and the UK. From necessary documentation to application procedures and essential pointers, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate this complex administrative landscape seamlessly.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
How to Apply for OEC and OWWA Membership in Ireland and the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from the channel named Papa and Penpen. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Verifying employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in London is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with legal requirements and securing necessary documentation. As there is no POLO office in Ireland, OFWs in Ireland and the UK must submit their employment verification requests to POLO London.
This process is specifically applicable to OFWs working in Ireland and the UK. While a vlogger may not be able to verify its applicability to other countries, it is essential to note that this guide is tailored to the unique circumstances of OFWs in Ireland and the UK.
This process is only applicable to OFWs in Ireland and the UK. It is specifically designed for those with Working Visas under the following conditions:
- Their employment contracts have not been registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or POLO London.
- They transferred employment from another country to the UK.
- Their employment documents were previously registered with the POEA prior to coming to the UK but later transferred to a new employer.
To initiate the verification process, the OFW must submit the following requirements via email only to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-London for verification and registration. For any inquiries, OFWs may contact POLO-London at polo_london@dole.gov.ph or through telephone numbers +44-207-451-1832 or +44-207-839-8078. The checklist and annexes mentioned can be accessed through the Philippine Embassy website under the Labor and Welfare Section or via this link: Philippine Embassy London – Labor and Welfare.
Requirements for Verification of Employment Contract Registration
Before submitting your employment verification request to POLO London, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation in order. Below is a list of required documents that you will need to gather and include with your submission:
- Copy of Employment Contract, with signature of the worker and the employer;
- Copy of passport with at least six months validity from the intended date of departure from the Philippines;
- Copy of both pages of biometric residence permit showing the NI number/work visa with validity period that would cover date of return to job site;
- Copy of latest pay slip or company ID or certificate of employment;
- Affidavit of the worker stating the circumstances and timeline on how employment was secured (Annex G);
Crucial Information
Submission via Email:
- Email the complete set of documents to polo_london@dole.gov.ph.
- Payment should be made through our Sterling bank account with Barclays Bank PLC. POLO London will provide the sort code, account number, and reference code for payment once the documents have been processed and approved.
Processing Time:
Processing of complete and compliant documents typically takes up to three working days upon receipt by POLO. However, if there is a need for clarification or additional requirements from the employer, processing may extend beyond the usual timeframe. In such cases, an online interview or personal appearance of the worker may be required for validation purposes.
Renewal of OWWA Membership:
If an OFW’s OWWA Membership has expired, renewal is necessary. The renewal fee is £23. Included is the OWWA OFW Information Sheet (Annex H), which must be completed and submitted along with a copy of the passport data page and any proof of employment, such as a company ID, payslip, or Certificate of Employment.
Submission for OFWs in Norway and Iceland:
For OFWs in Norway and Iceland, documents may be submitted either to the Philippine Embassy in Oslo for acknowledgment (please refer to their acknowledgment checklist of requirements) or to POLO London for verification.
Submission for OFWs in Sweden and Finland:
For OFWs in Sweden and Finland, documents may be submitted either to the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm for acknowledgment (please refer to their acknowledgment checklist of requirements) or to POLO London for verification.
Submission for OFWs in Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland:
For OFWs in Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland, documents may be submitted to the Philippine Embassy in Copenhagen for acknowledgment (please refer to their acknowledgment checklist of requirements) or to POLO London for verification.
Embarking on a journey as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) entails not only courage and determination but also meticulous attention to administrative requirements. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and securing membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are essential steps in ensuring legal compliance and accessing vital support systems.
Through this comprehensive guide, we’ve navigated the intricacies of the application process in Ireland and the UK, from verifying employment through POLO London to fulfilling the necessary documentation for OWWA membership renewal. We’ve outlined the steps, clarified the requirements, and provided essential contacts for inquiries and assistance.
As you venture forward in your overseas journey, remember the importance of thorough preparation and adherence to the prescribed procedures. Whether you’re a seasoned OFW or embarking on your first international assignment, knowledge and compliance with these administrative processes are paramount.