The OWWA OFW e-Card is an identification card for OFWs from Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration (OWWA). It was also created to help and support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their beneficiaries to get services from OWWA such as welfare, scholarship applications, training, and other social benefits.
The OFW e-Card is a government-issued identification card that can be used as a valid ID card at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), embassy, consulate abroad, Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration (OWWA), and Bureau of Immigration. It is proof that you are an active OWWA member.
Benefits of OWWA OFW e-Card
Having an OFW e-Card has a lot of benefits for an OFW and their beneficiaries, such as:
- Smoother access to OWWA programs and services
- Additional government-issues identification
- Can be used as exit clearance or OEC when leaving the country
- Permanent OWWA/OFW membership number
- Can create a digital version of OWWA OFW e-Card via OWWA mobile app
Qualification
All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can get an OFW e-Card from OWWA if they are:
- OWWA member with at least 90 days validity on the day of application
- Returning workers or “Balik -Manggagawa”
- Valid Overseas Employment Certificate/Exemption Number
- Valid passport
Remember that Balik-Manggagawa, as stated by the POEA Rules and Regulations, are the following:
- Overseas Filipino Workers who will work for the same company or employer and at the same location
- Overseas Filipino Workers who will work for the same company or employer and at a different location
Therefore, new hires, direct hires, and hired by the Government Placement Branch (GBP) are not “Balik-Manggagawa”.
OWWA OFW e-Card Online Application Procedure
If you don’t have OFW e-Card yet, follow these simple steps on how to apply so you can enjoy their benefits.
- Go to https://ecard.owwa.gov.ph/ and fill out the application form and prepare this personal information:
- Full name
- Birthday
- Contact number
- Passport number
- POEA OEC number
- Collection Point.
- Choose the place where you want to pick your e-Card up. You can choose from POEA Head Office, POEA Regional Office, OWWA Regional Office, and OWWA Head Office.
- Click the “I accept the Data Privacy Policy” and “I’m Not a Robot”. Then click “Submit”.
- A Tracking Number will appear on your screen as proof that your application has been approved.
The OFW e-Card usually takes 3-4 weeks before you can pick it up. If you want to know if it is ready for pickup, you can check the status on their website and prepare the following information:
- Tracking Number
- Passport Number
- Birth Date
You can also use your email address or Facebook profile to get notifications or updates. Once you received an update, you can now pick up your OWWA OFW e-Card at your chosen pick-up office.
OWWA e-Card Application Abroad
If you are living abroad, you can still apply for the OWWA OFW e-Card. It has the same requirements and steps when applying in the Philippines. You can choose your preferred office to pick up the e-Card and claim it once you arrived back in the Philippines.
However, if you can’t go back to the Philippines, you can still claim it through a family member, relatives, or even friends as long as they have an authorization letter from you, a copy of your passport, and the representative’s own identification card with photo.
OEC-Exempted for OFW e-Card holder
For Overseas Filipino Workers who are qualified as Balik-Manggagawa, you can be spared from getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). All you need to do is to register at POEA/DMW Balik-Manggagawa Online and get BM Exemption Number and use it instead of the OEC Number.
Video: HOW TO APPLY OWWA OFW E-CARD USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE | QUICK TUTORIAL đź’Ż
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial by WondeReview Vlogs on how to apply for an OFW e-Card using your mobile phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for OWWA OFW e-Card?
All Balik-Manggagawa with active OWWA membership with at least 90 days validity at the day of application, valid Overseas Employment Certificate/Exemption Number, and valid passports can apply OFW e-Card.
Can I apply for OFW e-Card even if I’m a first-time OFW?
As of now, only Balik-Mangagawa can apply for an OFW e-Card.
Who are the Balik-Manggagawa?
As per POEA Rules and Regulations, Balik Manggagawa are OFWs who:
- Will return to same employer/company and at the same location;
- Will return to same employer/company but at a different location.
How will I know the status of my OWWA Membership?
To know the status of your OWWA membership, you can download the OWWA Mobile App at Google Play and App Store. If you are abroad, you can visit the POLO-OWWA or go to OWWA Regional Welfare Office if you are in the Philippines.
How can I apply for an OEC exemption?
All Balik-Manggagawa who are exempted from getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) should register at POEA Balik-Manggagawa Online to get their BM Exemption Number. They can use the BM Number instead of the OEC number when filling out the application form for the OWWA OFW e-Card.
How can I get my OFW e-Card?
When filling out the online form, you can choose the OWWA Regional Welfare Office where you can pick your OWWA OFW e-Card.
Can I still apply for OFW e-Card even if I’m still working abroad?
Yes. All Balik-Manggagawa can apply for OWWA OFW e-Card Online.
How can I get my OFW e-Card if I’m staying abroad?
You can ask your family member, relatives, or even friends to pick it up as long as they have an authorization letter from you, a copy of your passport, and the representative’s identification card with a photo.
What should I do if I lost my OFW e-Card?
If you lost your OFW e-Card, go to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office to get information on how to get a new e-Card.
Summary
The OWWA OFW e-Card is a government-issues card that can me used as a valid identification and proof of OWWA membership. This e-Card can give convenience to Overseas Filipino Workers on getting an exit clearance and smoother transaction when availing their OWWA benefits and services.