How to get an OWWA OFW eCard Online in 2024? The easiest and fastest way to get this OFW card issued by OWWA. Just follow the simple and updated procedures and requirements below and you will surely get your OFW eCard. The OFW eCard will serve as the official ID of documented OFWs.
OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration) has recently launched the issuance of OFW eCard for our OFW heroes to facilitate and serve OFW and their families the best and fastest way regarding their benefits, overseas documentation, and consular services.
As mentioned, the OFW ecard will serve as the official ID of legit and documented OFW bearing their own permanent OFW ID number. Using the OFW eCard, OFWs can now have easy access to OWWA’s Welfare Services, Scholarships, Training Programs and Social Benefits.
In the past, it would take how many days before OFW could register for something, now it’s in the past. You may check out the complete list of OFW eCard benefits below.
What is an OWWA OFW eCard?
OFW eCard is the official ID Card of active, legit, and documented OFWs. It aims to accelerate the access of OWWA programs and services. The OFW eCard is also an acceptable government-issued ID and can be presented to any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and to any embassy or consulate office abroad.
OWWA OFW eCard Requirements:
- All Balik-Manggagawa with active OWWA membership
- Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or Exemption Number
- Valid passport
Note that your OWWA membership must have at least 90 days of validity from the day of your application of OWWA OFW eCard.
Are New OFWs Allowed to Apply for OFW eCard?
Since OWWA OFW ecard is newly launched, it is still in Phase 1, that’s why the administration only allows Balik Manggagawa for the issuance of card for now. Eventually, it will be available for all active members.
Who are Considered as Balik Manggagawa?
According to POEA, Balik Manggagawa is an OFW who have finished or active employment contract and:
- a. Will return to the same employer in a similar location abroad
- b. Will return to the same employer in a new location abroad
Newly hires, direct hires, and Government Placement Branch (GPB) hired workers are not considered as Balik Manggagawa.
How to Get an OFW eCard Online in 2024:
- Visit OWWA OFW ecard Application Page
- Enter and provide the necessary information
- Choose your Pick-up location
- Submit your Application
- You will be given a Tracking Number as a proof that OWWA has received your application for the OFW ecard
- Provide your email address or Facebook profile to receive a notification or update regarding the status of your application
- Once you received a notification, you can now get your OWWA OFW ecard at your chosen OWWA Regional Office.
How to Apply for OFW eCard Abroad?
You can also apply for OFW ecard if you are in Singapore, Dubai, USA, Saudi or anywhere abroad as long as you meet the requirements mentioned above. Follow the procedures discussed above. Since claiming the OFW ecard is limited for regional offices for now, you can still claim your card when you arrived in the Philippines.
If you are not going home in the Philippines, you can still get your ecard by authorizing someone to claim your card on your behalf. You can do this by providing an Authorization Letter to your family or relative with a copy of your passport information page. Your authorized representative must also bring valid ID in claiming your OFW ecard.
OFW ecard Benefits
OWWA OFW e-Card has numerous benefits for active OWWA members. They include the following:
- Faster availment of OWWA programs and services
- OFW ecard will serve as valid exit clearance
- It will serve as Digital OWWA OFW ecard on OWWA Mobile App
- The OFW card will provide a permanent OWWA / OFW membership number
- It will serve as a valid government-issued ID
How to Track OWWA Membership Status?
It’s now easy to track the status of your OWWA membership. Just download the OWWA Mobile App on your mobile phone. It’s free and only takes few seconds. Another option to monitor your membership is by going to any POLO-OWWA office if you are working abroad or to any nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office if you are currently in the Philippines.
How to Renew OWWA Membership?
You can apply to renew your OWWA membership if it’s already expired and you still have an active employment contract. Follow any of three procedures below:
- Online – Visit OWWA website or download the OWWA Mobile App
- Abroad – visit any POLO-OWWA office abroad
- In the Philippines – visit any OWWA Regional Welfare Office or OWWA satellite office located at POEA Ortigas, NAIA Terminal 1,2,3, Trinoma, and Duty Free Fiesta Mall.
How to Apply for OFW Ecard If OEC Exempted?
If you are a Balik Manggagawa who is exempted in getting OEC, you should register at POEA Balik Manggagawa Online to be able to get a BM Exemption Number. You will use your BM Exemption Number instead of OEC Number upon your OFW ecard online application.
lagi invalid passport number lumilitaw kapag nag aapply ako ng ofw ecard, ginamit kona yung luma ko passport pero invalid pa rin, nag inquire na ko sa owwa regional office pero sabi sa DFA daw ang problema. tama naman required documents ko..naka ilan email na po ako sa support owwa since December wala update. sana matulungan nyo po ako.
How to get ECARD here in abroad because the location selection is only in the Philippines..and I’m here in UAE.
I lost my `OWWA e-Card last year, I have an Affidavit of Loss issued with municipality public notary. How can I request for replacement. Thank you