We have some good news for overseas Filipino Workers. Now onwards, you can get an OFW ID Card (OFW e-Card) online without any hassle. Are you wondering how you can get the OFW ID card online? Of course, right!
OFW ID Card or OFW e-Card is the replacement form of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) as you might know that you need to have OEC for returning from the Philippines to your overseas working country. OEC act as evidence that you are working legally overseas.
Instead of OEC, you will have an OFW ID Card (OFW e-Card), a new and more advanced machine-readable overseas Pilipino identification card. Instead of using it only for traveling purposes, the Philippines government claimed that it could be used for various forms of government works in further days.
OFW ID Card vs. OFW e-Card vs. iDOLE OFW ID Card – Are these all the same thing?
OFW ID Card and OFW e-Card are the same things. It is a new machine-readable identification card that serves as evidence of being an active member of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) and OEC OFW.
However, OFW e-Card and previously issued iDOLE OFW ID Card are different. OFW e-Card replaces iDOLE OFW ID CARD. At first, the iDOLE OFW ID Card was launched before the IDOLE e-Card. But due to some controversy of its confusing guidelines and bearing a photo of President Rodrigo Duterte, the government decided to terminate the iDOLE OFW Card and replaced it with OFW e-Card.
Why OFW e-Cards?
There are various benefits of having OFW e-Cards for overseas Filipino workers.
- You will have quick access to OWWA programs and services. For instance – social benefits, training programs conducted by the government, scholarships offered by governments, etc.
- It will serve as an exit clearance at the airport.
- It will serve as your valid government-issued ID.
- If you have OFW e-Card, you can be waived airport fees such as travel tax and terminal fee.
- Very convenient since it is also available in digital format in an OWWA mobile app.
Who can apply for the OFW e-Card?
All returning workers who meet the following requirement can apply for OFW e-Card.
- Active OWWA membership. Your OWWA membership must be valid for 90 days from the date of application.
- Valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days from the date of application.
- Valid OEC or Exemption Number.
According to the POEA Rules and Regulations, the returning worker is an OFW who has completed or is currently terminating the employment contract and will return to the same employer, whether in the same or new job site.
You can check your OWWA membership status at the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office. If you are overseas, you can check it at the POLO or check it from the OWAA Mobil App.
Can the new departure OFW apply OFW e-Card?
As of this writing, OFW e-Card is only Phase 1; only return workers can apply at this time. But very soon, in Phase 2 of OFW e-Card, other OWWA active members who are not included in Phase 1 may also apply.
Can you apply OFW e-Card Online from outside the Philippines?
Yes, of course! If you have your valid OEC number and valid passport number, you can apply for OFW e-Card online from overseas too. The step-by-step procedures to get an OFW ID Card or OFW e-Card online are explained below.
Procedure To Get OFW ID Card Online (OFW e-Card)
Step 1:
Visit the official OWWA OFW e-Card application form page.
Step 2:
There, you can find the form as shown in the screenshot given below. Fill out the following information:
- First Name
- Middle Name
- Last Name
- Extension Name
- Date of Birth
- Contact Number
- Passport Number
- Valid POEA OEC Number or Valid POEA OEC Exemption Number
- Select the OWWA Regional Welfare Office where you want to pick up your OFW e-Card.
Step 3:
Tick the “I Accept The Data Privacy Policy” box.
Step 4:
Click the Submit button at the bottom of the application form page after filling up your information.
After you hit the Submit button, you can see the confirmation page to see the tracking number for inquiring about your OFW e-Card delivery time.
This completes the procedures to get the OFW ID Card (OFW e-Card) Online.
Can you get your OFW e-Card Overseas?
As of this writing, you can apply for your OFW Card from overseas, but you can claim only in the Philippines.
If you are overseas, you can apply for the OFW ID card from overseas, and you can ask your friends or any family member to pick up the card and send it to you.
The authorized person to whom you are told to pick up the OFW e-Card needs to have an authorization letter from you and a photocopy of your passport identification page.
Tracking OFW e-Card Delivery Status
To check the delivery status of your OFW e-Card, visit OWWA OFW e-Card Delivery Status Page. You have to enter the tracking number or passport number and date of birth to track the status.
If you find this information helpful, please share it with your friends and relatives!
FQS About OFW e-Card
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