How to Apply OWWA e-Card for OFWs

OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration) has begun providing OFW e-Cards to OFWs in order to help and support OFWs and their families with their benefits, overseas documentation, and consular services in the most effective and timely manner possible.

The e-Card serves as a form of identification that allows you to use OWWA services such as welfare, scholarship applications, training, and other social benefits. In case you want to know how to apply for the OWWA OFW e-Card, please follow the guidelines listed below.

What is the OWWA OFW e-Card?

The official ID card for active, legitimate, and documented OFWs is the OFW e-Card. Its goal is to make OWWA’s Welfare Services, Scholarships, Training Programs, and Social Benefits more accessible. The OFW e-Card is also a valid government-issued identification card that may be shown at any Migrant Workers Office (MWO) as well as any embassy or consulate abroad.

Benefits

The OWWA OFW e-Card comes with several perks for active OWWA members. The following are some of them:

• Discounts on Products
• Priority Access on OWWA Services
• Special Promotions and Offers
• Access to Programs and Event
• Obtaining a digital OWWA OFW e-Card through the OWWA Mobile App offers the same benefits as a tangible OWWA OFW e-Card.
• OFW e-Card can be used as an exit clearance when going to another country — Instead of using your OEC paper, your e-card can now be used as an OEC.
• This is a government-issued identification card that you can use to prove your identity.
• When you renew your passport, DFA will recognize your OWWA OFW e-card as a legitimate ID.
• Partnership with UBE Express (Ultimate Bus Experience), CS Laundry, Pure Gold, etc.

Qualifications

Any returning workers or ‘Balik-Manggagawa’ with an active OWWA membership, a valid Overseas Employment Certificate/Exemption Number, and a valid passport are eligible for the OFW e-Card. Remember that your OWWA membership must be valid for at least ninety (90) days from the date of your application in order to acquire your OFW e-Card.

Note: Balik-Manggagawa, according to the POEA Rules and Regulations, is an OFW who was able to complete or is presently completing an employment contract and:

• Will work for the same company and at the same location; and
• Will be hired by the same company in many locations.

New hires, direct hires, and personnel hired by the Government Placement Branch (GBP) are not counted as Balik-Manggagawa.

How to Apply for OWWA Ecard (3 Steps and Fastest Way) at the OFW Lounge NAIA Airport Terminal 1

Applying for the OWWA OFW e-Card is a straightforward process, especially for returning Filipino workers arriving at NAIA Terminal 1. To make it easier for OFWs, OWWA has streamlined the application to just three simple steps.

According to a recent post on OWWA’s official Facebook page, eligible OFWs can conveniently follow this quick procedure at the OFW Lounge, ensuring they receive their e-Card with minimal hassle. Here’s how you can get your e-Card in no time:

Step 1: Fill out the information sheet
Step 2: Get your picture taken.
tep 3: Affix your signature.

After doing the above, you can have the card printed on the spot and pick it up right away. This is the easiest process and is available only if you are at the OFW Lounge.

How to Apply for OWWA OFW e-Card Online

In order to sign up and get an OWWA eCard, you may follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Visit the official website application form of OOWWA OFW e-Card here – https://ecard.owwa.gov.ph/

Step 2: Enter your name, birthdate, phone number, passport number, and valid POEA OEC number

Step 3: Select the OWWA Regional Office you want to get your OFW e-Card from. POEA Head Office, POEA Regional Office in Cebu City, OWWA Head Office, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) are all places where you can receive your e-Card.

Step 4: Check the Data Privacy Act and enter the CAPTCHA that applies.

Step 5: After you’ve filled out all of the required information, click the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 6: You will be given a Tracking Number as proof that your application for an OWWA OFW e-Card has been approved.

Step 7: To receive a notification or update on the status of your application, enter your email address or Facebook profile.

Step 8: You can now pick up your OWWA OFW e-Card at your preferred OWWA Regional Office after receiving notification.

How to Apply for OFW e-Card Abroad

If you match the following requirements, you can apply for an OFW e-Card in Singapore, Dubai, the United States, Saudi Arabia, or anyplace else in the world. Follow the steps outlined in the preceding section. Because OFW e-Card claims are currently confined to regional offices, you can still claim your card after you arrive in the Philippines.

If you are unable to return to the Philippines, you can still obtain your e-Card by allowing someone else to claim it on your behalf. You can accomplish this by giving your family or relative an Authorization Letter along with a copy of your passport information page. When claiming your OFW e-Card, your authorized representative must also produce a valid photo ID.

How to Apply via OWWA Regional Offices

Once the printing machines are available, you can visit the nearest OWWA regional welfare office in your area and apply for it there. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office or satellite office.
2. Bring your valid passport and active OWWA membership.
3. Proceed to the designated area for OWWA eCard application.
4. Fill out the necessary forms online and provide all required information.
5. Have your photo taken for the eCard.
6. Wait for your eCard to be processed instantly (with the digital ID machines).

How to Apply for OFW e-Card if OEC Exempted?

If you are a Balik Manggagawa who is exempt from receiving an OEC, you must register at POEA Balik Manggagawa Online in order to obtain a BM Exemption Number. When applying for an OFW e-Card online, you will use your BM Exemption Number rather than your OEC Number.

How to Track the Status of OWWA OFW e-CARD?

Step 1: Visit the official website of OWWA OFW e-Card Delivery Status.

Step 2: Input your tracking number or passport number and birthdate.

Step 3: Click the box (I’m not a robot) then click the submit button.

Step 4: After clicking the submit button you can now see your OFW e-Card status.

OWWA OFW e-Card Application Form

Here is a sample of the OWWA eCard application form which you can easily access online:

Video: OWWA Admin Arnell Ignacio Announces Launch of Version 2.0 of eCard

In a recent FB Live Video, OWWA Admin Arnell Ignacio announced the launch of Version 2.0 of the OWWA e-Card. This updated version offers a more convenient and efficient way for OFWs to access their benefits and renew their membership with OWWA.

Check it out below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the OWWA OFW e-CARD?

All Returning Workers (Balik-Manggagawa) with an active OWWA membership, a valid Overseas Employment Certificate/Exemption Number, and a valid passport can apply for an OFW e-CARD. Remember, your OWWA membership should be valid for more than 90 days from the day of your application to be eligible for the OFW e-CARD.

2. Can newly-departed OFWs apply?

Currently, the OWWA OFW e-CARD is in Phase 1, so initially, only Returning Workers will be given one. Phase 2 will be launched in the coming months, where other active OWWA members not included in Phase 1 can also apply for the OFW e-CARD.

3. Who is a Balik Manggagawa?

According to POEA Rules and Regulations, a Returning Worker is an OFW who has completed or is currently completing an employment contract and:

a. Will return to the same employer in the previous job location. b. Will return to the same employer in a new job location. New-hires, direct-hires, and Government Placement Branch (GBP)-hired workers are NOT considered as Returning Workers.

4. What are the benefits of using the OWWA OFW e-CARD?

The OWWA OFW e-CARD offers various benefits for active OWWA members, such as:

1. Faster access to OWWA programs and services.
2. Serves as an exit clearance out of the country.
3. Having a Digital OWWA OFW e-CARD through OWWA Mobile App which can be used just like the physical OWWA OFW e-CARD.
4. Having a permanent OWWA / OFW membership number.
5. Recognized as a government-issued identification card.

5. How can I check my OWWA Membership status?

To check the status of your OWWA Membership, you can download the OWWA Mobile App on your smartphone. It is free on Google Play and App Store. You can also visit POLO-OWWA if you are working abroad, or the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office in your area if you are in the Philippines.

6. If my OWWA membership has expired, where can I renew it?

If your OWWA membership has expired but you still have an active contract, you can renew in the following ways:

• Online – Download the OWWA Mobile App to renew and update your OWWA membership using your cellphone.
• Abroad – Go to the POLO-OWWA office in your country.
• In the Philippines – Visit OWWA Regional Welfare Offices and the OWWA satellite offices located in POEA Ortigas, NAIA Terminal 1,2, and 3, Trinoma, and at the Duty-Free Fiesta Mall.

7. How do I get my OWWA OFW e-Card?

Find in the online application form the available OWWA Regional Welfare Offices where you would like to pick up your OWWA OFW e-Card.

8. If I am still abroad, can I apply for an OWWA OFW e-Card?

Yes. OWWA OFW e-Card applications can be submitted online at www.owwa.gov.ph by Balik-Manggagawa who is still working abroad. The OFW e-Card pick-up location in the Philippines is currently registered with the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices. When the OFW arrives in the country, he can pick up his OWWA OFW e-Card.

To get an OWWA OFW e-Card, an OFW’s OWWA membership must be at least 90 days old from the date of application.

9. Is it possible to get my OWWA OFW e-Card while still abroad?

Yes, it is possible. The OFW must give the authorized relative an authorization letter together with a copy of the OFW’s Passport Identification Page and present it to the OWWA Regional Welfare Office of their choice.

10. What if I’m not required to take the OEC?

Balik-Manggagawa who are not required to acquire an OEC must register online with POEA Balik-Manggagawa to obtain a BM Exemption Number.

You can use your BM Exemption Number instead of the OEC number on the OWWA OFW e-Card Online Application Form.

11. What happens if I misplace my OWWA OFW e-Card?

The card is free upon first acquisition. For information on how to receive a new OWWA OFW e-Card, contact the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office.

Summary

The OWWA OFW e-card is an important document that all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should have. It is a government-issued card that can be presented to any Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), as well as any Philippine Embassy or Consulate overseas, whenever assistance or services are required. The card is proof of membership in the OWWA and allows the holder to access all of the organization’s programs and services.

We hope that this guide has helped you on how you can sign up and get your OWWA eCard.