Scope of Coverage
- The policy applies to all contract workers deployed overseas, whether landbased or seabased.
- Workers under renewed or extended contracts, whether these are express or implied, are also subject to the membership fee.
Membership Fee and Payment
- A uniform membership fee of US $25 or its peso equivalent is to be levied per contract.
- The peso equivalent is determined based on the applicable conversion rate pursuant to a prior agreement established in OWWA Memorandum of Instruction No. 104, Series of 1991.
Exemptions
- Workers who are returning on vacation, holidays, emergency leave, or similar reasons and are going back to complete their original contract are exempted from the membership fee.
Implementation and Coordination
- Efficient collection of membership fees requires the cooperation of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
- The POEA Governing Board authorized the POEA Administrator to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with OWWA to implement the membership contribution policy.
- The MOA is subject to the determination of the policy's viability and legal implications.
Legal Authorization and Formal Resolution
- The resolution was formally adopted on April 3, 1998, by the POEA Governing Board.
- Signed by the Secretary of Labor and Employment, who is the Chairman of the Board, and other board members.
Purpose and Rationale
- The policy aims to provide adequate welfare and protection programs and services to OFWs.
- It establishes a standardized contribution system ensuring fairness and systematic collection.