DOLE starts distribution of OFW ID’s

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) rolled out the other day the first government-issued identification cards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said a limited number of OFWs who returned home for Christmas vacation received their IDs.

“This is the first phase of implementation of the ID system. We will cater first to returning OFWs,” Bello said.

He said all OFWs would eventually get their IDs, which they can use to fast-track government transactions.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shouldered the cost of printing the IDs.

“This is free for the OFWs. We do not want them to shoulder the cost because this is a gift from the President in recognition of their sacrifices and contribution to the economy,” Bello said.

Filipino workers vacationing in the country can apply for the ID, which they can use to avail themselves of travel tax and terminal fee exemptions.

“They can log in and create an account with the iDOLE.ph or the iDOLE one-stop online facility and apply for the OFW ID by putting their latest and valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) number. The ID is equipped with decrypted QR code for security,” Bello said.

He said OFWs no longer need to line up when transacting with agencies for their overseas employment as they can now access government services online.

The first phase of the system links DOLE with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Bureau of Immigration and OWWA.

Bello said the OFW ID was among the achievements of the DOLE since he assumed the post in July last year.