iDOLE OFW ID questions answered: all you need to know Updated on July 12 DUBAI – With the launch of the iDOLE OFW ID on Wednesday (July 12), Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) have raised a lot of questions about the card and how it can make their lives easier. Although details about ID processing were still sketchy a day before the launch, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)—in an email to Expatmedia.net on Tuesday—said that the department was “currently finalizing the mechanics of iDOLE”. In Dubai, Labor Attache Felicitas Bay told Expatmedia.net that her office has not yet received instructions from Manila. Meanwhile, DOLE said that information and guidance on the implementation of the iDOLE card will be provided by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Expatmedia.net called the POEA hotline on Tuesday and was told that the announced July 12 launch was just a “projection” and that officials were still finalizing procedures. “We’ve just received a memo from the president to accelerate and streamline the service but so far we don’t have much information about how it is going to be implemented exactly,” Jeo Abarino, a POEA representative, told Expatmedia.net. Abarino said that details will be posted on the POEA website once they are available. No timetable was given. But while we wait for more details from officials, here’s what we know so far about the iDOLE OFW ID. What is it? The iDOLE OFW ID is an identification card for Overseas Filipino Workers. Why do I need it? It will serve as a replacement for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) so that when you need to come back to your workplace abroad after travelling to the Philippines, all you need to do is present it at the airport. How much does it cost? It’s free. What’s the validity of the card? It is valid for two years. So how do I sign up for it? Authorities have yet to release a registration guideline as of this posting, but Labor Secretary Silvester Bello III said that the card will be distributed to all registered OFWs. How will I receive the ID? The IDs will be delivered by PhilPost to the OFWs'respective addresses, said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella at the launch of the ID on July 12. Back to the iDOLE OFW ID. What else can I use it for? You can use it to access your government records online and for online transactions with government and private agencies, including PAG-IBIG, SSS and Philhealth. What other benefits do I get with iDOLE? You can present it at any airport in the Philippines to skip paying travel tax or airport tax. How is it connected to the OFW Bank? The iDOLE OFW ID card will serve as a debit card and an ATM card for the OFW Bank, which is expected to launch in October 2017. Are there other cool things I can do with the card? Yes. It will work as a reloadable card for the LRT and MRT. Can we expect more features to be added in the future? Yes. According to Labor Secretary Bello, the department is looking at integrating a system that allows OFWs to use their iDOLE OFW ID as an electronic passport. I am travelling to the Philippines soon. Do I still need to apply for OEC? Yes. While the OFW ID is not yet available, you will still need the OEC, according to the POEA.   This is a developing story. Please check back for updates
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