“Special OFW ID Card approved, direct hiring is back” – Secretary Bello
Manila, Philippines – The OFW ID or I-DOLE, which will replace OEC, can be used for SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig transactions and, possibly, will also serve as electronic passport.
If OFWs need their plane ticket to get to their country of destination, the OEC is their ticket to get through immigration. Failure to present an OEC to immigration officials on the day of travel is an indication of a denied exit.
But the country’s “Bagong Bayani” will soon have a much smoother visit to the Philippines especially the first timers, as the OEC is expected to be abolished this year.
Secretary Bello of the Department of Labor and Employment confirmed that OFWs will no longer be required to obtain an OEC before exiting the Philippines. The conversation of Secretary Bello to ASec Mocha Uson revealed that OEC will indeed be abolished as President Rodrigo Duterte signed the approval of the issuance of an OFW ID. The IDs will be rolled out for free between July to August this year.
The OFW ID or I-DOLE, which will replace OEC, can be used for SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig transactions and, possibly, will also serve as electronic passport.
Secretary Bello also revealed that the suspension of direct hiring, effective yesterday, is no longer in effect. Meaning, direct hiring is back. Also, an OFW Bank will be launched in November this year.
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