OFWs’ data protected in information tracking system: DOLE

The DOLE introduced this month the tracking system for all OFWs workers who are returning to the country during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. (File photo by Ramon FVelasquez/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday assured data privacy protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will register to the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS).

In a Laging Handa briefing, Labor Assistant Secretary Alex Avila said the information they will be getting through the system are only those pertaining to their flights going back to the country for orderly and smooth repatriation.

“It will not violate the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10173). What we are asking from them are the details of their departure to be able to properly assist them when they arrive in the country. It is provided in the system that those who will register and the information they provided will be used in accordance with the law,” Avila said.

He added that the information will be used to expedite assistance from the airport to the testing centers and transport to the quarantine facility.

“The purpose is for faster movement of OFWs from the airport to the testing booths and to the quarantine facility,” he added.

The DOLE introduced this month the tracking system for all OFWs workers who are returning to the country during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The system will also help DOLE identify and classify arriving OFWs in a number of ways to facilitate organized arrival at the airport, efficient swab testing, and rapid pick up and transport to their respective hotels and homes.

To be tracked, Filipino workers bound for home are requested to register online with OASIS through oasis.owwa.gov.ph. Once logged in, they need to click ‘Register’ and fill out the form by providing appropriate data and information.

They should check the box to certify they have read the form, understood its contents, and give consent to process their data under the Data Privacy Act of 2012.