In July 2023, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) launched the DMW Mobile Application and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Pass, and these are currently being pilot tested in ten countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
To provide guidance to OFWs in Dubai and Northern Emirates on what the new system is and the use of the Mobile App and the OFW Pass during its pilot test run, the following clarifications are hereby issued:
A. WHAT ARE THE DMW MOBILE APP AND OFW PASS?
(1) The DMW Mobile App is a digital solution designed for OFWs. This App is designed to improve the OFWs’ overseas journey, providing essential services such as securing an OFW Pass, which will eventually replace the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
(2) The OFW Pass serves as a digital identity for the OFW. In comparison to the OEC, the OFW Pass provides a more convenient experience for the OFW through its digitization. The process of acquiring the OFW Pass can be done through the DMW Mobile App while the OEC can be obtained through onsite processes at the DMW. The validity of the OEC lasts for only sixty (60) days, while the OFW Pass is valid until the expiration of the OFW’s employment contract. The OFW Pass is also free of charge, and will eventually include additional functionalities to improve connectivity with other government apps.
B. HOW DO WE USE THE DMW MOBILE APP AND OFW PASS?
(1) The DMW Mobile App may be downloaded in Google Play and App Store, for Android and Apple users, respectively. Please download the latest version of the DMW Mobile App and install the latest updates to ensure that the App that you have works fine.
(2) The DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass are still in the PILOT TEST RUN. This means that the engineers and programmers of the DMW are still modifying and improving the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass based on feedback from its users and noted issues on the system.
(3) In using the DMW Mobile App, a One-Time Password will be sent to the worker’s e-mail address.
C. WHO CAN USE THE DMW MOBILE APP AND OFW PASS DURING THE PILOT TEST RUN?
(1) Prior registration in the DMW’s e-Registration system is a requirement before OFWs can access the DMW Mobile App. Workers need to have a working e-Registration email and password before they could log on to the DMW Mobile App. To register in the e-Registration system, please access this link: https://bit.ly/3y2skJC. Detailed guide on the e-Registration system may be found on this link: https://www.polodubaiportal.org/how-to-apply-for-oec/.
(2) The DMW’s e-Registration system or the existing system for securing Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) still exists. Since this is still a pilot test run of the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass, the e-registration system is still available and may be accessed by OFWs with or without previous OEC record. OEC issued through the POPSBam will still be recognized and may be used as exit clearance.
(3) For the pilot test run, securing an OFW Pass is still limited to those who have previous OEC record in the same employer. Only those who are able to secure an OEC exemption in the DMW e-Registration system will be able to get an OFW Pass during the pilot test run. For those who do not have any previous OEC record or those who transferred to a new employer onsite, verification and encoding of the contract is required. Otherwise, they may use the e-Registration system to set an appointment in the Philippines to get an OEC.
D. HOW TO GET HELP IN USING THE DMW MOBILE APP AND SECURING OFW PASS?
(1) Official announcements regarding the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass will come from the DMW’s website: https://dmw.gov.ph/ofwpass and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph only, and will be eventually posted by MWO-Dubai on its website: https://www.polodubaiportal.org/ and Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MWODubaiAndNorthernEmirates/.
(2) For questions, comments, and suggestions on the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass, OFWs are encouraged to get in touch with the DMW at:
FB Messenger : https://m.me/dmw.gov.ph
Email : ofwpass@dmw.gov.ph
Call/WhatsApp/SMS/Viber : +63 9083268344 / / +63 9271478186 / / +63 9205171059
See the signed official advisory below: