How to Renew OWWA Membership in Tokyo, Japan

Filipinos based in Tokyo who plan to keep their OWWA membership active can visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tokyo to renew their account. They can also send the document requirements via regular mail. Please follow the guidelines below on the process of OWWA application and renewal.

Also Read: How to Renew OWWA Membership in Osaka, Japan

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) strives to protect and promote the well-being of all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families on working sites around the world as well as at home in the Philippines. The agency’s dual duty is to provide valuable social services and benefits while also assuring capital growth and fund viability. The membership fee is equivalent to USD 25, and membership must be renewed every two years.

OFWs members should maintain their membership. To avoid losing your OWWA benefits, renew your membership as soon as possible. Having this insurance policy as an OFW not only helps you collect OWWA compensation, but it also protects you from injury.

Amount of Contribution

The OWWA membership contribution shall be JPY 3,000 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

Membership Validity

Membership is valid for two (2) years for each contribution, regardless of the length of the contract, the change in employer, location of employment, or recruitment agency. If proof of employment is presented, OWWA membership will need to be renewed after that.

Membership/Renewal Requirements

Here’s a list of OWWA requirements you need to present at Tokyo POLO-OWWA renewal:

• Completed OWWA OFW Information Sheet
• A photocopy of the Philippine passport with a photo, name, and signature
• Copy of valid employment contract and/or recently issued Certificate of Employment with hanko of the employer or authorized corporate signatory within a month of the Certificate of Employment (translated into English)
• Photocopy of a valid residence ID card (or, if you have an official visa, a photocopy of the official visa stamp in your passport)
• If employer is a COMPANY: Corporate Registration Number (Kaishahojin Bango of Tokibo Tohon)
• If employer is an INDIVIDUAL; National ID Number (Residence Card Number or Gaimusho ID Number)
• FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP: A completed Declaration of Intent to Join the OWWA.
• The membership cost is JPY 3,000 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

Note: There are two options for OFWs who want to renew their OWWA membership in Tokyo, Japan. You can renew your OWWA membership by going to the POLO-Tokyo office or by sending the document requirements via mail.

How to Pay OWWA Membership in POLO-Tokyo Office – Walk-in Process

Please be guided on the steps to renew your OWWA account in Tokyo. Take note that there is NO appointment booking required (for now). So you have to wait for your turn when you queue for you to pay for the renewal:

Step 1: Download the OWWA/OFW Information Sheet and fill it out.

Step 2: Download and complete the Declaration of Intent to Join the OWWA if you are applying for membership (not renewal).

Step 3: Compile all the requirements.

Step 4: Before heading to the OWWA-Tokyo, Japan office, double-check the requirements are crystal clear for a fast transaction.

How to Renew OWWA Membership in POLO-Tokyo via  Regular Mail

Here is the process of sending OWWA document requirements via mail to POLO-Tokyo

Step 1: Download the OWWA/OFW Information Sheet and fill it out.

Step 2: Download and complete the Declaration of Intent to Join the OWWA if you are applying for membership (not renewal).

Step 3: Make a copy of your completed requirements.

Step 4: Double-check that the requirements is crystal clear.

Step 5: Compile all your requirements and mail it to POLO-OWWA, Philippine Embassy, 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537, Japan.

Step 6: For mailing back your official receipt and other documents, enclose a returning Letter Pack 370 Yen or a Japan Post Smart Letter 180 Yen with your written complete name, address, and contact number.

Step 7: Send a separate mail to POLO-OWWA, Philippine Embassy, 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537, Japan, for your OWWA membership payment via Genkin Kakitome, registered cash envelope of Japan Post.

Important Reminders at POLO-OWWA Japan

Please do follow these important guidelines and reminders when you visit the POLO-Tokyo office when you renew your membership:

• Please double-check that your requirements are complete or else your membership may not be processed.
• For more information, see the Tokyo, Japan POLO and Embassy and Facebook Pages.
• 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.

How to Get to POLO Tokyo via Train

The Philippine Embassy/POLO is:

• 9 mins away by walking from Roppongi Station (Hibiya & Oedo Line), Exit 3
• 7 mins away by walking from Azabujuban (Namboku & Oedo Line), Exit 7

Reminder: All written communications shall be addressed to MARIE ROSE C. ESCALADA, Ph.D. (Labor Attaché II)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about renewing OWWA in Japan. Please be guided accordingly:

1. How much is the cost of OWWA membership in Japan?

The OWWA membership contribution shall be JPY 3,000 or less depending on the monthly average equivalent rate of 25 US Dollars.

2. What is the procedure for submitting documentary requirements?

Documentation requirements can be submitted either in person or by mail. If you’re mailing it, please send it to the following address: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537 Japan

3. I have a few more questions; who should I contact?

You may reach the OWWA-Tokyo, Japan office via e-mail at polo_tokyopost@yahoo.com.ph, or by sending a message or calling them at 03-6441-0428/0478/0959.

4. Can I directly go to the OWWA-Tokyo, Japan Office?

Yes, you can go to the OWWA-Tokyo, Japan office personally, although you may also renew your OWWA membership via mail. Or better yet, there is the OWWA renewal via mobile app.

5. 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 except holiday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. no lunch break (ADJUSTED Office Hours due to COVID-19 pandemic). You can consult the official list given by the Philippine Embassy for a list of holidays to be observed.

6. What types of SIGNATURES are allowed on submitted documents?

Electronic signatures or scanned signatures are not accepted by OWWA Tokyo. All signatures must be appended to the document at the time of creation.

Contact Information

POLO-OWWA Tokyo
Address: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537 Japan
Telephone Number/s: OWWA: 03-6441-0428/0478/0959
Email: OWWA: polo_tokyopost@yahoo.com.ph, Labor and Employment Facilitation Services: polotky@philembassy.net, Welfare Services: polo_tokyopost@yahoo.com.ph
Website: https://polotokyo.dole.gov.ph
Facebook Pages: facebook.com/poloowwatokyo/

Google Map Location

Please see the map guide to the location of the POLO-OWWA Tokyo office in Japan. The office is in the same location as the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo Japan: