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How to Apply for OFW ID

Filipinos working abroad may now apply for the long-promised OFW ID that will eventually replace the overseas employment certificate.

OFWs can register to create an account or login at www.idole.ph.

While the initial launch encountered technical glitches, a statement from the Department of Labour and Employment said the OFW portal was “being upgraded” to allow OFWs to access government records electronically without going to government agency offices prior to deployment abroad.

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Although the ID has been formally launched, guidelines on usage are still being finalized for release as confusion arose when the ID widely publicized as free of charge to OFWs upon registration suddenly displayed the charged amount worth P501.

DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad III clarified that the amount shall be paid by the employer, through an accredited agency, will pay for the card.

“When the employment contract is approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and the fees are paid, the names and other details of the OFW will be uploaded in the Cloud, then downloaded by Dole for printing through APO then delivered by Philpost,” Lagunzad told Gulf News on Friday.

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“The OFW can print the temporary ID and use it to get Philippine immigration clearance before boarding. The card in this instance will be forwarded to the OFW here or abroad. We don’t like queues in securing the ID,” he added. “It’s like web check-in and printing the boarding pass.”

For Filipino workers hired after the launch of this program, it meant they’ll get the ID as employers are expected to shoulder the expense of obtaining it. It is unclear, however, as to who will bear the cost of the ID for existing OFWs who are already working abroad.

According to Nhel Morona, Migrante Middle East coordinator, Filipinos already working abroad will have no means to force their employers to pay for the ID and will eventually have to pay for it themselves.

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How OFWs Can Apply for OFW ID

1) Visit www.idole.ph

2) Register as OFW account number using your latest issued OEC number. Also include other details such as full name, email address, phone number and password.

3) Click “Register OFW Account”

4) Once registration is successful, information about the OFW including passport number, job position, employer and other details entered in your Balik Manggagagawa online profile.

5) You may click on “Select Transaction” to acquire an online Overseas Filipino Worker identification card.

6) Pay online using available payment channels such as Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) e-payment methods, Bayad Centre, MultiPay wallet, 7-Eleven, PhilPost, ECPay, and BancNet. Also provide shipping information for delivery within the Philippines. Pick-up option for Filipinos based overseas to be announced.

Notes:
1. Printing of ID listed on website is meant for departing OFWs who need to provide ID for travel tax and airport fee exemptions.
2. Card printing will be done in Manila and guidelines and timeframe of delivery to be confirmed.
3. https://ofw.idole.ph/ is meant for pilot testing and shall be replaced by official page to be launched in the future.

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