OWWA — the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration — is the Philippine government’s welfare fund for OFWs. Membership gives access to death and disability benefits, medical assistance, scholarships for your children, livelihood loans and repatriation help. In Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Dubai charges AED 92, and membership lasts two years — even if you change employer during that time.
Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai. Sources at the end.
At a glance
| Fee | AED 92 (MWO Dubai) |
| Valid | 2 years from payment, whatever your contract length or employer changes |
| Renew | Up to 90 days before expiry |
| Appointment | Not needed at MWO Dubai for membership |
| Contact | OWWA Dubai hotline +971 50 558 5536 · dubai@owwa.gov.ph |
What you need
First-time or newly hired members
- OFW Information Sheet (download from the MWO Dubai website).
- Passport and Emirates ID (original or copy).
- Employment contract verified by the MWO.
- Certificate of employment with company seal (issued within the last month), latest payslip, or latest salary certificate.
Renewal with the same employer
- OFW Information Sheet.
- Passport and Emirates ID.
- Certificate of employment with company seal (within the last month) or latest payslip.
How to join or renew
- Check your status in the OWWA mobile app.
- Prepare the documents above.
- Pay AED 92 at MWO Dubai (Dubai and Northern Emirates), or at the MWO in Abu Dhabi if you live there, or use the app’s payment channels.
- Check that it shows as active in the app. MWO Dubai notes that bank and e-wallet payments can take 1–3 banking days to appear.
Membership takes effect when the contribution is paid. If your membership expired more than 90 days ago, MWO Dubai directs you to the nearest Overseas Welfare Office or Regional Welfare Office.
What active members can use
| Area | Programmes listed by MWO Dubai |
|---|---|
| Social benefits | Death and Disability Benefit; Supplemental Medical Assistance (MEDplus); Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP); Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) |
| Education and training | Scholarships for degree courses; short-term courses |
| Reintegration | OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program; Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay!; on-site skills training |
| Pre-departure | PDOS; CPDEP for household service workers |
| Repatriation | Repatriation Program |
Each programme has its own eligibility rules and amounts. Ask OWWA Dubai or check the OWWA website before you apply.
Questions people ask
How much is OWWA membership in Dubai?
AED 92 at MWO Dubai, for two years.
Does my OWWA membership end if I change employer?
No. MWO Dubai says membership is valid for two years regardless of contract length or change of employer.
When can I renew?
Up to 90 days before your membership expires.
Related guides
- OFW vacation from the UAE: OFW Pass, eTravel and travel tax
- Philippine passport renewal in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Sources
- Migrant Workers Office Dubai — OWWA membership application: mwodubai.org
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration: owwa.gov.ph
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com — it gets fixed and logged.