Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) e-Card

OFW e-Card’, will give Filipino workers access to key government services.

 Formerly known as OFW ID, the OFW e-card will be issued for free in the Philippines by the Overseas Welfare Worker Administration (OWWA).

 The e-card may serve as the OFW’s exit certificate or Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) to prove that he or she was legally hired.

 It enables holders to get travel tax and terminal fee exemptions and access government services such as information on their contributions with the Social Security System, Philhealth, among others. It may also be used as a valid government ID card.

 Who can apply online?
OFWs with e-cards may use it to gain electronic access to OWWA programmes, including welfare services, scholarships, training and other social benefits.

 OFWs eligible to apply for the e-Card are Balik Manggagawa workers or workers returning to the same jobsite or employer with OEC or exemption number and active OWWA Membership that is valid for at least for 90 days upon application for the e-Card, according to OWWA’s website.

 Validity
OFWs can become OWWA members by paying $25 (Dh92) at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in their respective missions.
This membership is valid for two years and gives social assistance such as death, disability and dismembership, and burial benefits.

 OFWs who are new hires, direct hires, Government Placement Branch-hired workers are not considered Balik Manggagawa.

 Where to apply
OFWs abroad may apply for the e-Card online at http://ecard.owwa.gov.ph/. But since the cards will only be issued in the Philippines, OFWs may authorise their legal representatives in the Philippines to pick-up the card once available in their chosen OWWA Regional Office.

 They may also claim the cards themselves on their return to the Philippines.

 Pension scheme for Filipinos now mandatory

 Dubai: It is now mandatory for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to make monthly contributions for their social security that will entitle them to a pension fund and other benefits under a new law.

 The benefits vary depending on the monthly contributions. For those paying the maximum amount based on the old law of 1,750 pesos (Dh126) per month, for example, they receive a maximum maternity benefit for caesarean amounting to 41,600 pesos. For normal delivery, the benefit is 32,000 pesos.

 Those with minimum contribution of 550 pesos get 10,000 pesos as benefit for normal delivery, and 13,000 pesos for caesarean.

 These contributions and benefits may change based on the new IRR. But the main message to our compatriots is not to treat SSS as an expense but an investment. Every peso they contribute will be given back to them or their beneficiaries through a pension or lump sum. This is one of the ways that they can invest in themselves and in their future.

 HOW TO PAY SSS?
SSS members who want to pay should first get a Payment Reference Number by visiting the nearest SSS branch or emailing to PRNHelpline@sss.gov.ph.

 Payment can be made at any of the SSS-linked remittance centres namely Orient Exchange, UAE Exchange, Al Ghurair Exchange, or Al Rostamani. They can pay monthly, quarterly, yearly, or a maximum of five years.
The new contribution per OFW will depend on the provisions of the new law. But officials advise OFWs to ideally make the maximum contribution to get the maximum benefit.

+ Social Security System: Pension fund contributions a must for Filipinos
+ OWWA for Filipino expat workers: Pay your $25 biennial fees online or via app ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
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