The OWWA OFW e-Card is a valid, government-issued identification document given by the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) to active, legitimate, and documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It serves as the OFWs passport to accessing OWWA services including overseas documentation, consular services, and welfare, educational, training, financial, and other social benefits.
Also Read: OWWA Membership: How do I Become a Member of OWWA?
The OWWA OFW eCard is also known as OFW ID. It is a proof that an OFW is an active OWWA member. Aside from being the key to accessing the OWWA programs and services, the OFW ID also serves as a government ID recognized in any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), embassy, or consulate, in case the OFW needs help. If you want to learn how to access such benefits, then you’d want to learn more about how to apply for and secure an OFW ID or OFW eCard.
What is the OWWA OFW eCard?
Also known as the OFW ID, the OWWA OFW eCard is an identification document issued by the Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration (OWWA) to prove their legitimacy and to offer unhindered access to all their programs and services. With this card, OFWs and their families may enjoy OWWA benefits, overseas documentation, and consular services in the most effective and timely manner possible.
The OWWA OFW eCard is also recognized as a valid ID at any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), embassy, or consulate. That being said, it can be used to prove the OFWs identity and offer fast, and easy service delivery to member-OFWs in case they need help while they are abroad. It comes with a QR code that can be scanned to verify authenticity, making it easier and faster for OFWs to apply for programs and services offered by OWWA, POLO, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) or Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Bureau of Immigration, or the Philippine Embassies and Consulates.
Benefits of OWWA OFW eCard
Securing the OWWA OFW eCard or OFW ID means having access to numerous perks and benefits, including:
- Easier access to OWWA programs and services
- Serves as a valid government-issued identification document
- Serves as your exit clearance or OEC if you’re leaving the country
- Gives you a permanent OWWA / OFW membership number
- Comes with a digital OFW eCard version through the official OWWA mobile app
Qualifications for the OWWA OFW eCard
The OWWA OFW eCard is available to returning OFWs or ‘Balik-Manggagawa’ who have completed or are currently completing their employment contract. These BM workers or returning OFWs must satisfy the following criteria:
- Active OWWA membership
- Valid Overseas Employment Certificate/Exemption Number,
- Valid passport
- With OWWA membership valid for at least ninety (90) days from the date of application in order to acquire your OFW e-Card.
All returning OFWs or Balik-Manggagawa are eligible for an OFW ID. However, according to POEA Rules and Regulations, the OFW is considered a BM worker if he/she is:
- Returning to the same employer at the old jobsite
- Returning to the same employer at the new jobsite
Note that the OWWA also makes it clear that new hires, direct hires, and employees hired by the Government Placement Branch (GBP) are not classified as Balik-Manggagawa.
Documentary Requirements
All Balik-Manggagawa (BM) workers who want to get an OFW ID must have the following documents:
- Active OWWA Membership (with at least 90-day validity from the application date)
- Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number
- Valid passport
Application Procedures for OWWA OFW eCard
There are various ways of applying for the OWWA OFW eCard.
Applying for the OWWA OFW eCard Online
To get an OWWA eCard online, you may follow these steps:
- Visit the official website application form of OWWA OFW eCard via this link: https://ecard.owwa.gov.ph/
- Enter your personal information including:
- name
- birthdate
- phone number
- passport number
- valid POEA OEC number
- Select the OWWA Regional Office you want to get your OFW e-Card from.
- Check the Data Privacy Act and enter the CAPTCHA.
- Complete the required information then click the ‘Submit’ button. You should receive a Tracking Number as proof that your application has been approved.
- To receive a notification or update on the status of your OFW eCard application, enter your email address or the link to your Facebook profile.
- Once you receive a notification, visit your preferred OWWA Regional Office and claim the eCard.
Applying for the OFW eCard While Abroad
If you have the requirements, you may apply for an OFW eCard anywhere in the world. Simply follow the steps outlined above and claim the OFW eCard from your preferred regional offices after you arrive in the Philippines.
If you are unable to return to the Philippines, you may also claim your eCard by allowing someone else to claim it on your behalf. Simply prepare an Authorization Letter for your family or relative and send along a copy of your passport information page. When claiming your OFW e-Card, your authorized representative must also produce a valid photo ID.
Applying for the OFW eCard if OEC-Exempted
If you are a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) worker who is exempted from receiving an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), then you must register at POEA/DMW Balik-Manggagawa Online in order to get a BM Exemption Number. When applying for an OFW e-Card online, you will need to use your BM Exemption Number instead of the OEC Number.
How to Track the Status of OWWA OFW eCard
If you wish to check on the status of your OWWA OFW eCard, you may do so by following the steps listed below:
- Visit the official website designated for the OWWA OFW e-Card Delivery Status.
- Key in your tracking number or passport number and birthdate.
- Tick the box to affirm that you are not a robot, then click Submit.
- After hitting the Submit button, you should already see the status of your OWWA OFW eCard.
Important Reminders
Here are some important reminders you need to take note of before applying for an OWWA OFW eCard:
- To get an OWWA OFW e-Card, the interested OFW’s OWWA membership must be at least 90 days old from the date of application.
- The OWWA OFW eCard is not yet available to first-time OFWs.
- Only Balik-Manggagawa (BM) workers may apply for OFW eCards.
- OFW IDs and OWWA OFW eCards refer to the same identification document.
- OFW IDs are only issued in OWWA Regional Offices and selected POLO Offices so it’s best to check the list of OFW ID issuing offices when you apply for one online.
Video: How to Apply for the OWWA OFW eCard
For a quick explanation on how to apply for the OWWA OFW eCard, you may watch this video uploaded by Zennibit on Youtube:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For other concerns regarding the OWWA OFW eCard, we rounded up this list of commonly asked questions and answers to help you out:
1. What is the OWWA OFW eCard?
The OWWA OFW eCard is an identification document issued to an OFWs to prove that he/she is an active OWWA member. This eCard is an OFW’s passport to access OWWA programs and services as well as a valid ID recognized by any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Philippine Embassy or Consulate overseas.
2. How do I get my OWWA OFW eCard?
To get an OFW eCard, you may apply online via the designated OWWA OFW eCard online application form and pick it up at your preferred OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or have an authorized representative do so on your behalf if you are abroad.
3. How much is the OFW ID fee?
The OWWA OFW eCard or OFW ID is free for first-time applicants. In case of lost or misplaced OFW ID, you will need to reach out to the nearest OWWA RWO for more information about securing a replacement card.
4. Can new OFWs apply for an OFW ID?
The distribution of the OWWA OFW eCARD is still in its first phase, which means only Balik-Manggagawa (BM) workers can apply for it. The rest of the active OWWA members who aren’t included in Phase 1 of the OFW eCard distribution will be accommodated in the succeeding phases of the project.
5. Can I get an OFW eCard if my OWWA membership has already expired?
No. An active OWWA membership is required before an OFW can apply for an OFW ID. If you are an OFW with an active employment contract, but your OWWA membership has already expired, you can simply apply for renewal via the following channels:
- Online, by downloading the OWWA Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- POLO-OWWA Office in the country where you are at, if you’re abroad.
- OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), if you are in the Philippines.
6. How can I find out the status of my OWWA membership?
You may check the status of your OWWA membership via the following channels:
- Online, by downloading the OWWA Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- POLO-OWWA Office in the country where you are at, if you’re abroad.
- OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), if you are in the Philippines.
7. Is it possible to apply and get an OWWA OFW eCard if I am still abroad?
Yes, if you are a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) worker whose OWWA membership is at least 90 days old. You may simply submit an application for the OWWA OFW e-Card online via the link: www.owwa.gov.ph. The pick-up locations are only through the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWO) in the Philippines, so you may either pick it up when you arrive home or send an authorized relative along with an authorization letter and a copy of your Passport Identification Page and present it to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office.
8. Can I still apply for an OFW ID if I’m not required to take the OEC?
Yes. If you are a Balik-Manggagawa (BM) worker but you are not required to acquire an OEC, then you may simply register online with POEA/DMW Balik-Manggagawa Online to obtain a BM Exemption Number and use it on the OWWA OFW e-Card Online Application Form in lieu of the OEC number.
9. What happens if I misplace my OWWA OFW eCard?
The card is free for first-time acquisition, but if you misplace it, then you will have to reach out to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office to learn about how to get a new OWWA OFW eCard.
10. I lost my OFW ID. What should I do?
As mentioned above, the OFW eCard or OFW ID is free if applying for one for the first time. In case you lose it, you will need to visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) to learn about the process and the possible fees.
Summary
Securing the OWWA OFW eCard or OFW ID is not mandatory for OFWs. It is, however, quite beneficial for OFWs and their families especially if they wish to take advantage of the programs and services offered by OWWA in the most effective and timely manner possible.
There really isn’t any drawback to securing an OFW ID these days. After all, all you need to do is go online and apply and simply visit the OWWA RWO to pick up the ID upon release. It’s also free and is considered a valid government-issued ID, it’s almost like a privilege exclusively designed for OFWs.
Contact Information
For more information on the OWWA OFW eCard, you may reach out to OWWA via the following contact information:
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24
OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International)
OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph, commandcenter@dole.gov.ph
OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/
You may also reach out to OWWA via their 24/7 Operations Center via the following:
Landline: (+632)833-OWWA or (+632)833-6992
Globe Hotline: 2917 (Press “3” for OWWA)
Mobile/SMS text messaging: (0917)TXT-OWWA or (0917)898-6992
Facsimile: +63-2-8040638
Email address: opcenter@owwa.gov.ph/ owwa_opcenter@yahoo.com
