How to Book OWWA Appointment in Taichung City, Taiwan

Filipinos based in Taiwan, particularly those who are near the Taichung office, can visit the MECO Labor Center in Taichung City. MECO-Taichiung is the extension of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan. This is the equivalent of the Philippine Embassy in Taiwan and it is the Taiwanese representative office that handles POLO, DOLE, OWWA, SSS, Pag-IBIG, and Consular Services. It was founded in 1975 and is governed by Philippine law as a non-profit, non-stock private corporation.

Also Read:
– How to Book OWWA Appointment in Taipei, Taiwan
– How to Book OWWA Appointment in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

The Labor Center of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office’s main duty is to protect the rights and interests of overseas Filipino employees in Taiwan in compliance with Philippine and Taiwanese laws, policies, and labor contracts. By offering necessary information, training, and other services, the labor center also enhances the welfare of overseas Filipino employees.

OFWs are eligible for OWWA benefits, which include welfare benefits in times of need. The membership fee is NT$758 or less based on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars, and it must be renewed every two years.

Amount of Contribution

The OWWA membership contribution shall be NT$758 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

Membership Validity

Regardless of the length of the contract, the change in employer, location of employment, or recruitment agency, each contribution is valid for two (2) years. After that, OWWA membership must be renewed if proof of employment is presented.

OWWA Membership/Renewal Requirements in Taiwan

Please see the OWWA requirements needed to pay for your membership.

• 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 ARC (Alien Registration Card)
• Membership contribution of NT$758 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

How to Schedule an Appointment in MECO-Taichung City, Taiwan

The two MECO offices (Taipei and Kaoshiung) require an appointment before going to the office. While there are some experiences of other OFWs visiting the Taichung office directly, it is strongly advised that you contact them first and inquire if an appointment is required. Here are the steps to contact MECO-Taichiung for OWWA appointment inquiries.

Option 1: Visit the Manila Economic & Cultural Office’s Facebook page to see what appointments are available.

Option 2: Call the OWWA-Taichung, Taiwan office to see whether your preferred appointment date is available and to make a reservation.

• OWWA: 04 2322-8836 ext. 252

Option 3: Before visiting the OWWA-Taichung City, Taiwan office, double-check that your appointment has been scheduled and that you have all of the required documentation for a fast transaction.

How to Renew OWWA Membership in MECO-Taichung, Taiwan

After you have scheduled an OWWA appointment, it is time to renew your OWWA membership during the day of appearance. Please follow the steps below in order to pay your OWWA account in the Taichung extension office:

Step 1: Present your confirmed booking at the MECO office (as applicable).

Step 2: Go to the OWWA counter and present your documents for verification.

Step 3. Pay the OWWA membership fee.

Step 4. Get your receipt for the OWWA renewal.

Important Reminders

Here are some guidelines and tips about the process of OWWA renewal in the Taichung extension office.

• Requirements that are not full will not be handled.
• Just in case, bring your old passport.
• For more information, see the MECO Taichung, Taiwan 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: Filipina Shares Tips about OWWA Renewal in MECO-Taichung Office

Here is a video shared by a Filipina discussing the OWWA requirements and renewal experience process at the Taichung office of MECO Labor Center. She says that it was very easy for her to renew her account as she already prepared her documents beforehand.

Please check out her video as she shares the importance of renewing your OWWA membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers when you process your OWWA account membership at POLO-Taichung.

1. Who should I contact for inquiries about OWWA?

You may reach the OWWA-Taichung City, Taiwan office via e-mail at owwa_taichung@yahoo.com, or by sending a message or calling them at 04 2322-8836 ext. 252.

2. How much does the OWWA membership fee cost?

The OWWA membership contribution shall be NT$758 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

3. Can I directly go to the OWWA-Taichung, Taiwan Office?

It is strongly advised that you must make an appointment before visiting the OWWA-Taichung, Taiwan office. Stay updated as well in case you there are changes to the existing rules. You may visit the official FB page of MECO-Taiwan here – https://facebook.com/MECO.official

4. When is the office going to be open? Do they take a break for lunch? What holidays do they observe?

The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays, and on the first and third Sundays of every month (9:30 am-1:00 pm).

Summary

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. We hope this article has helped you become more aware of the process of how you can register in OWWA for your membership.

As an OFW based in Taiwan, please follow the rules and policies currently put in place about visiting the MECO offices before visiting them. On another note, you may also renew your OWWA by registering in the OWWA Mobile App.

Workers in Taiwan 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

MECO Taichung City, Taiwan
Address: Manila Economic & Cultural Office, 403, Taiwan, Taichung City, West District, Section 2, Taiwan Blvd, 220號20樓
Contact Number: Taichung office: +886 4 2322 8836
Fax: (8864) 2302 9091 / (8864) 2302 9095
Email: owwa_taichung@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.meco-labor.org.tw/, https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/MECO.official

Google Map Location

The POLO-OWWA office in Taichung City is managed by MECO as an extension office.  Please see the map guide to the location of this office in Taichung: