Comprehensive Guide to OWWA Membership Renewal and Labor Laws for OFWs in Bahrain
Filipinos based in Bahrain, it is crucial to keep your OWWA membership active to avail of the benefits and programs for you as an OFW. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) should understand the value of their membership. It not only assists you in obtaining OWWA benefits but also ensures your safety as an OFW in the event that you require assistance from the Philippine government.
OWWA Membership Renewal in Manama, Bahrain
It’s important to renew your OWWA membership before it expires and becomes invalid. Please check the steps below on the OWWA renewal process at the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain located in Manama. With the current health situation, it’s important to maintain social distance when going to OWWA-Bahrain Office and to always wear your face mask to keep you and others safe.
Membership Validity and Fees
Membership is valid for two (2) years for each contribution, regardless of contract length, change of employer, job site, or recruitment agency. Following that, OWWA membership must be renewed if proof of active employment is presented.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount of Contribution | 11.23 BHD (approximately Php1,000 - Php1,500) |
| Validity Period | Two (2) years per contribution |
| Office Location | POLO-OWWA Bahrain, Philippine Embassy in Manama |
OWWA Bahrain Membership/Renewal Requirements
Please be guided on the documents and information that you need to renew your OWWA account:
- OFW Information Sheet – Membership Form
- Original Passport
- Certificate of Employment/Contract Verification (2 copies)
- Employer Certificate: OFW must produce a certificate from the company / employer verifying that they are not on the list of employees due for termination/ cancelled/ resigned.
- Membership Fee: 11.23 BHD.
Steps to Renew OWWA Membership in Manama, Bahrain
Here are the steps in order for you to renew your OWWA in POLO-OWWA Bahrain:
- Download and print the OWWA membership form from the official Philippine Embassy website.
- Complete the first section of the membership application, including OR Number, OR Date, and Validity.
- Fill out all the required information in the “Personal Data” portion such as Full Name, Philippine Address, and Contact Number.
- Fill out the “Contract Particulars” section including Name of the Company/Employer, Jobsite, Position, and Monthly Salary.
- Proceed to the “Legal Beneficiaries/Qualified Dependents” portion to list your relatives.
- Sign the OFW Information Sheet after completing all the information required (Bring 2 copies).
- Go to the POLO-OWWA Bahrain office. Based on the latest news, there is no online appointment booking, so you must walk in at the office and wait in line for your turn.
- Present the other requirements. Incomplete documents will not be processed.
- Pay the OWWA membership fee and take your receipt. The OWWA membership receipt is issued on the same day as the application.
Understanding Labor Laws and Work Conditions in Bahrain for OFWs
Bahrain is a country with a diverse population, including a significant number of overseas Filipino workers. It is important for OFWs to understand their rights as employees, as well as the laws that govern their working conditions. The following information helps OFWs navigate their rights and responsibilities as employees in Bahrain.
The Philippines – Bahrain Labor Agreement
The Philippines – Bahrain labor agreement is a bilateral agreement that allows Filipino workers to work in Bahrain under specific conditions. It is administered by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). The agreement covers several key areas:
- Recruitment: The agreement requires that all recruitment agencies in the Philippines must be licensed by the POEA.
- Working conditions: The agreement stipulates that OFWs must receive fair wages and working hours.
- Repatriation: Employers must bear the cost of repatriating Filipino employees if they are terminated, regardless of the cause.
- Protection of rights: It establishes a mechanism for the resolution of disputes through the labor attaché of the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain.
Employment Contract Requirements
A standard contract is a contract that covers all employees in the same job category. This type of contract must contain the terms and conditions of employment, such as salary, working hours, and leave. In Bahrain, a valid labor contract is a legally binding agreement. The contract must be in writing, signed by both parties, and include specific information about the nature of the work. To ensure that all parties understand the terms, it must be written in the local language (Arabic) or translated into a language that the employee understands.
Basic Rights of Workers
You are protected by the labor laws of Bahrain. Here are some of your basic rights:
- You have a right to a safe and healthy workplace.
- You must be paid for all overtime work.
- If you become ill, you must receive payment for any days missed from work.
- When your contract ends, you are entitled to be paid for annual leave days remaining on your contract.
- The minimum wage is set by the Bahraini government, though it currently does not apply to domestic and agricultural workers.
Important Reminders at POLO-OWWA Bahrain
Please double-check that your requirements are accurate and complete. Wear appropriate attire when going to the office. Face masks must be worn at all times, and individuals must maintain a two-meter physical distance from one another. Filipinos in Bahrain are responsible for maintaining the Embassy’s safety and order at all times.