Last Tuesday (November 6), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has officially released the new OWWA OFW ID Card which will replace the iDOLE OFW ID, which had faced several problems since its introduction last year, according to a report by GMA News Online.
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The new OWWA OFW e-card will serve both as proof of membership as well as an overseas employment certificate (OEC) for overseas Filipino workers. The OEC is one of the requirements for Filipinos to be deployed for work abroad.
OWWA Issues New OFW e-Card
According to OWWA Administrator Hans Cacda, the OWWA is the only agency sanctioned by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) to issue e-cards for OFWs. In lieu of the iDOLE Card, the OFW e-Card will provide members better access to the department’s programs and services, as well as OFW benefits mandated by the Philippine government.
For his part, Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who presided the launch of the new OFW ID, shared that the newly launched e-Card will allow OFWs faster access to the programs and services offered by OWWA, which include scholarships, welfare services, social benefits, as well as training programs.
Moreover, members who have the OFW e-card will be exempted from paying airport fees, including terminal fees and travel taxes when they enter or leave the country.
The new OFW e-Card is already available and free of charge for all OFWs, including the “balik-manggagawa” with active membership with OWWA, a valid OEC, and a valid passport.
In line with this new development, OWWA members are advised to check out the agency’s official website for instructions on how to apply for the OWWA OFW e-Card.
Moreover, the OFW e-Card has a digital version (copy) which can be downloaded through the OWWA’s mobile app.