The OFW ID is one of the key programs of the Duterte administration that was launched recently. According to Silvestre Bello III, Labor Secretary, the OFW ID will be granted to all bonafide OFW for free and it will serve as OEC or overseas employment certificate of every OFW.
If you’re one of the millions OFW, you should know the procedures on how to avail the said OFW ID.
Step 1.
The first thing to do is to retrieve your current OEC number as you’ll need it when applying for the OFW ID. If you possess a receipt-only OEC, you can use the receipt number as your OEC number.
Step 2.
Visit the iDOLE services website.
Step 3.
Click the CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT box and choose the appropriate identification that you want to submit. If you choose the OEC number, you’ll be required to fill out the needed details.
Step 4.
Once you successfully register your account, you will receive an activation link directed to the email that you provided. Open your email and activate the link. You can also find the activation link in the SPAM folder.
Step 5.
Continue the registration process using your bmonline registration. Choose the SELECT TRANSACTION option.
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Step 6.
The next step is to select the OFW Card Application box. You are given two options on how you’ll receive the OFW ID. You can select either PICK UP or DELIVERED to your home address. If you choose PICK UP, you will be charged Php501 for the card. (This is contrary to what Secretary Bello have said). On the contrary, if you select DELIVERY option, an additional Php200 for Philpost will be added to the card fee.
Step 7.
There are several payment options to choose from including bank payment, online payment, mobile payment, Bayad Center, Multipay Wallet, 7-Eleven outlets, ECpay, Bancnet, and Credit/Debit card. However, International credit or debit cards are not accepted. Thus, OFWs should coordinate with their families in the Philippines to make the payment or use Philippine bank accounts.
Step 8.
You will receive a confirmation of your payment through your email.
However, OFWs who want to avail the OFW ID were facing difficulty due to insufficient detailed guidelines. Likewise, many OFWs were hesitant to avail the OFW ID after knowing that there will be fees collected.