The Department of Labor and Employment has finally rolled out the initial application for the much-anticipated identification cards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
This, however, will only be available for “balik-manggagawa” or those who will go back to the Philippines to spend some time with their family during the holidays to be able to “test and secure the features” of its system.
DOLE disclosed that the system is not yet equipped to handle all OFW applications as of writing.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello explained that “balik-manggagawa” Filipinos can register and avail of the new ID by logging into their “balik-manggagawa” (BM) online accounts at http://bmonline.ph/
“They can now log-in and create an account with the iDOLE.ph or the iDOLE One-Stop Online Facility/Portal and apply for the OFW ID by putting their latest and valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) Number,” Bello added.
The new OFW ID called IDOLE comes with terminal fee and travel tax exemptions with plans to add more features as the system adapts and becomes more sophisticated.
“This is free for our OFWs. We do not want our OFWs to shoulder the cost because this is a gift from the President to recognize their sacrifices and immense contribution to our economy,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello.
Photo source: The Filipino Times
Source: Manila Bulletin
