Last updated: August 13, 2026
1. Purpose of This Policy
This Data Collection Policy explains, in more detail than our general Privacy Policy, exactly what data Omar Welfare Association (OWA International) collects, how it is collected, why it is needed, and how long it is kept. It applies to data collected through omarwelfareassociation.org, our Houston, New York, and Karachi offices, consultation forms, and program registrations.
2. How We Collect Data
We collect data through the following methods:
- Directly from you: when you fill out a contact, consultation, or program-registration form; email or call our offices; message us on WhatsApp; or sign up for a newsletter or event.
- Through service delivery: when you engage us for immigration case coordination, legal clinic support, women’s health education, business advisory, or student support, and share documents or case details as part of that service.
- Automatically: through cookies, log files, and analytics tools when you browse the Site (e.g., pages viewed, time on site, browser and device type, approximate location from IP address).
- From third parties: such as partner attorneys, referring organizations, or government agencies, where relevant to a case or service you have asked us to assist with.
3. Categories of Data Collected
- Identity data: full name, date of birth (where required for case work), nationality.
- Contact data: address, email, phone, WhatsApp number, preferred office/location.
- Immigration and legal case data: visa/status information, case numbers, application details, court or USCIS correspondence, supporting documents.
- Health data: information you voluntarily provide through our women’s health education and preventive-care programs.
- Financial data: billing details for authorized services (processed via secure third-party payment processors; we do not retain full card numbers).
- Program/event data: registrations for volunteer, student-support, or community events.
- Technical/usage data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, cookies, pages visited.
4. Sensitive Data — Extra Care
Some of the data we collect — particularly immigration status and health information — is sensitive. We collect this data only where necessary to provide the service you have requested, we limit access to staff and partner professionals directly involved in your matter, and we apply additional safeguards to protect it. We will always seek your consent before collecting sensitive information where consent is the appropriate legal basis for doing so.
5. Why We Collect This Data
- To provide the specific service you requested (immigration coordination, legal clinic, health education, business advisory, student support);
- To communicate with you about your case, appointment, or program;
- To coordinate with attorneys, medical professionals, or government agencies on your behalf where you have authorized us to do so;
- To process payments for authorized services;
- To comply with nonprofit recordkeeping, reporting, and legal obligations in the United States and Pakistan; and
- To improve our programs, Site, and outreach.
6. Consent and Voluntary Disclosure
Providing most data to us is voluntary; however, some data (such as case details needed for an immigration filing) is required for us to provide the specific service requested. Where we rely on your consent to collect sensitive data, you may withdraw that consent at any time by contacting us, though this may limit our ability to continue assisting with your matter.
7. Data Storage and Security
Data is stored in access-controlled systems, with case files and sensitive information restricted to staff and partner professionals who need it to perform their role. We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, both in our Houston, New York, and Karachi offices and in any third-party systems we use for hosting, email, or payment processing.
8. Cross-Border Data Transfer
Because OWA operates in both the United States and Pakistan, data you provide may be transferred between our offices as needed to deliver services (for example, a case that begins in Karachi and requires coordination with our Houston legal team). We take reasonable steps to ensure data transferred across borders receives an appropriate level of protection.
9. Data Retention Periods
- General inquiry and contact-form data: retained for a limited period unless you become a client or program participant.
- Case and legal-matter records: retained for the period required by applicable professional, immigration, or nonprofit recordkeeping rules, and as needed to protect your and our legal interests.
- Health-education program data: retained only as long as needed for the program, unless you request earlier deletion.
- Financial/payment records: retained as required for accounting and tax compliance.
When data is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymize it.
10. Your Choices and Rights
- Ask what data we hold about you and request a copy;
- Ask us to correct inaccurate data;
- Ask us to delete data we no longer need to retain, subject to legal and case-record obligations;
- Opt out of newsletters, event invitations, or non-essential communications at any time; and
- Ask questions about how your data is used before deciding whether to share it.
11. Contact for Data Questions
For questions about this Data Collection Policy, or to make a request about your data, please contact any of our offices:
