Filipinos who are based in Syria and want to renew their OWWA account can visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Damascus. The POLO-Damascus office is located in the same building as the Philippine Embassy in Syria. Please be guided on the process for OWWA membership renewal below.
Note: There is no POLO-OWWA Labor Attache that is why it is the Philippine Embassy in Syria that are handling the OWWA service renewals and inquiries.
Also Read: List of OWWA Benefits Programs and Services for OFWs
On September 4, 1946, the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations with the Syrian Arab Republic. OWWA-Damascus, Syria’s main purpose was to protect the rights of overseas Filipino workers in Syria under Philippine and Syrian labor laws, norms, and standards, as well as their employment contracts.
OFWs are eligible for OWWA benefits, which include welfare benefits in times of need. The cost of an OWWA membership will be $25.00 USD, and it will need to be renewed every two years.
Contents
Amount of Contribution
The OWWA membership contribution fee will be equivalent to $25.00 US Dollars.
Membership Validity
Each contribution is valid for two (2) years, regardless of the length of the contract, the change in employer, location of employment, or recruitment agency. If proof of employment is provided, OWWA membership must be renewed after that.
OWWA Requirements
- Completed OWWA OFW Information Sheet.
- A photocopy of the Philippine passport with a photo, name, and signature.
- Copy of current employment contract or Certificate of Employment.
- Copy of employer’s ID or passport.
- Membership contribution will be the equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.
How to Schedule an Appointment at POLO Damascus, Syria
Please check with the contact numbers of the POLO-Damascus to see if you can visit the office for your appointment:
Step 1: Verify the status of your OWWA membership by calling the OWWA-Damascus, Syria office at (0096311) 6132626 / (0096311) 6125138 / (96394) 9155557 (ATN).
Step 2: Schedule an appointment to pay the OWWA renewal fee.
Step 3: Before visiting the OWWA-Damascus, Syria office, double-check your appointment time.
How to Renew OWWA in POLO-Damascus, Syria
Once you are able to visit the Phil Embassy and drop by the POLO-OWWA counter, please check out the following steps below to renew your membership:
Step 1: Present your completed documentation at the OWWA counter.
Step 2: Pay the membership fee to the OWWA.
Step 3: Receive your OWWA renewal receipt.
Important Reminders
Here are some reminders and guidelines about the OWWA renewal process and what you should need to take note of when processing in POLO-Damascus:
- Requirements that are not full will not be handled.
- If you’re heading to the OWWA-Damascus, Syria office, make sure are wearing proper attire so you can gain entry in the office.
- For more information, see the Damascus, Syria Embassy website and Facebook updated post.
- New OWWA members are eligible to engage in OWWA’s regular activities and services, as well as special programs, after three (3) months of membership.
Video: Interview with Philippine Embassy in Syria
Check out this interview with Atty. Vida Soraya Verzosa, Chargé d’Affaires ng Philippine Embassy in Syria. The video shows the programs and services, and also what are the expectations you can get from the Philippine Embassy. Some of these services include the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, assistance, and other projects that Pinoy in Syria should be aware of. Please check out the video below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about renewing OWWA in Syria. Please take note of these questions and answers for your reference:
1. Who should I contact if I have any additional questions?
You can contact the OWWA-Damascus, Syria office by sending an e-mail to damascus@gmail.com / owwa.damascus@gmail.com / owwa_syria@yahoo.com / syria@owwa.gov.ph, sending a message, or calling (0096311) 6132626 / (0096311) 6125138 / (96394) 9155557 (ATN).
2. Can I directly go to the OWWA-Damascus, Syria Office?
No, Due to the pandemic, OWWA-Damascus, Syria requires that you make an appointment before visiting the OWWA office. Bring your completed documentation with you when you enter, wear a facemask, and keep your social distance.
3. How much does it cost to join the OWWA?
The OWWA membership fee will be the equivalent of $25.00 US Dollars.
4. When is the office going to be open?
The OWWA Damascus, Syria office is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except during Philippine and Lebanese Holidays).
Summary
So this is the process of renewing OWWA at the POLO office in Syria. May we remind everyone that it is very good to keep your OWWA account active to maintain the maximum benefits you can get as a member.
As an OFW based in Syria, please follow the rules and policies currently put in place about visiting the office before visiting them. On another note, you may also renew your OWWA by registering in the OWWA Mobile App.
Workers in Syria may also renew their OWWA membership by having their family members in the Philippines submit the document requirements to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare office.
Contact Information
POLO-OWWA Damascus, Syria
Address: Philippine Embassy in Syria, 56 Hamze IBM Abdul Mutaleb Street, West Mezzeh, Damascus, Syria
Email: damascus@gmail.com / owwa_syria@yahoo.com / syria@owwa.gov.ph / pe.damascus@gmail.com
Contact Number: (0096311) 6132626, (0096311) 6125138, (96394) 9155557 (ATN)
Website: https://damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria
Google Map Location
As mentioned in this post, there is no actual POLO-OWWA office in Syria, but it is the Embassy of the Philippines in Syria that handles the programs and services by POLO-OWWA. Here is the map guide location of the PH Embassy: