Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will no longer need to secure Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for deployment since they will soon be provided with an iDOLE- OFW Identification Card

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is launching today the identification card for millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the iDOLE, or the DOLE’s identification card for OFWs, is set to be launched in a simple ceremony in Malacañang this morning.

The DOLE initially prepared 200 ID cards for the official launch of the new ID system.

The government will be printing at least four million IDs to cover both active and inactive OFWs. Bello said inactive OFWs just need to submit an old record of employment abroad in applying for iDOLE.

“We have to prepare at least four million ID cards to cover even those not working abroad anymore because when you become an OFW, you become an OFW permanently” he explained.

Source: https://goo.gl/5hKAGk

Things to know about the OFW ID:

What is it?
The iDOLE OFW ID is an identification card for Overseas Filipino Workers.

Why do I need it?
It will serve as a replacement for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) so that when you need to come back to your workplace abroad after travelling to the Philippines, all you need to do is present it at the airport.

How much does it cost?
It’s free.

What’s the validity of the card?
It is valid for two years.

So how do I sign up for it?
Authorities have yet to release a registration guideline as of this posting, but Labor Secretary Silvester Bello III said that the card will be distributed to all registered OFWs.

How will I receive the ID?
The IDs will be delivered by PhilPost to the OFWs’respective addresses, said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella at the launch of the ID on July 12.

Back to the iDOLE OFW ID. What else can I use it for?
You can use it to access your government records online and for online transactions with government and private agencies, including PAG-IBIG, SSS and Philhealth.

What other benefits do I get with iDOLE?
You can present it at any airport in the Philippines to skip paying travel tax or airport tax.

How is it connected to the OFW Bank?
The iDOLE OFW ID card will serve as a debit card and an ATM card for the OFW Bank, which is expected to launch in October 2017.

Are there other cool things I can do with the card?
Yes. It will work as a reloadable card for the LRT and MRT.

Can we expect more features to be added in the future?
Yes. According to Labor Secretary Bello, the department is looking at integrating a system that allows OFWs to use their iDOLE OFW ID as an electronic passport.

I am travelling to the Philippines soon. Do I still need to apply for OEC?
Yes. While the OFW ID is not yet available, you will still need the OEC, according to the POEA.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the OFW ID.

1. No need to apply for the iDole or OFW ID.

2. OFW ID is FREE. No fees will be collected to receive the OFW ID.

3. The OFW ID will replace OEC.

4. The ID is tamper resistant.

5. All the bonafide OFWs listed in POEA will receive the ID.

6. The OFW will only be the prime recipient and receiver.

7. The OFW ID can be used in any government or private transactions like DFA, OWWA, NBI, SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig.

8. It can be used as a beep card for MRT or LRT.

9. In the future, it will serve as an e-passport.

10. It will serve as a debit or credit card in the OFW Bank that will be opening soon.