Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been longing for the iDOLE card. To give you a brief background of what it is, it is an identification card provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to take the place of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) because of long lines and hassle processes on how to get it. However, the release of the iDOLE card was moved and moved and because of this, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is releasing a new ID for OFWs which will be known as the OWWA e-card.
Don’t worry, I know that most of you are still clouded on what this is, what its importance is, and how OFWs can get it. We will provide and inform you everything you need to know about it and, of course, how you can get it.
First off, we have to fully know what an OWWA e-card is. This is imperative for you to know whether or not getting it is important to you or simply, if you can utilize it. In the simplest words possible, an OFW OWWA e-card is solid proof that a certain OFW is an active member of OWWA.
By having this form of identification, processes and different programs which the OWWA services would be easier for you. Since it’s one of the most legitimate government-issued IDs, having this is powerful and can serve as a primary ID if you’re visiting any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or any consular offices in other countries.
Are there eligibility requirements in applying for an OFW OWWA e-card?
Yes, not all types of OFWs would be allowed to apply for the OWWA e-card. Only OFWs who are returning to work to other countries (balik-manggagawa), can apply for the OWWA card. More so, only returning-to-work OFWs with a valid OEC, OWWA membership, and valid passport, exemption number can apply for the e-card.
That being said, new OFWs who are just working out of the country for the first time or those newly deployed might not be able to push through with an OWWA e-card application. The OFW OWWA e-card is still on its first (1st) phase so the limitations are still strict.
Which workers are considered to bebalik-manggagawa?
According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), an OFwis considered to be returning to work if he/she finished or is currently in an employment contract and:
2 thoughts on “OFW Tips: What is the OWWA E-Card and How can an OFW Get it?”
is OWWA CARD anD IDOLE crd is this the same card that can honor as a government id?
what is the difference between the two cards?
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is OWWA CARD anD IDOLE crd is this the same card that can honor as a government id?
what is the difference between the two cards?
what if i applied my owwa e-card but then ill go back to travel again, how will i get my card?