Your Guide to the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) (2024)

Are you getting ready to embark on your new working life abroad? After successfully completing the application process, there’s one more requirement. Don’t stress! This one helps you prepare and adjust to your destination. Before your departure, you will be required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).

The PDOS is a one-day mandatory seminar. You may be wondering – is it really necessary? The answer is, yes! It serves the important purpose of minimizing risk to workers, especially those who are leaving the Philippines for the first time to work abroad. This includes a series of seven modules designed to provide comprehensive guidance for soon-to-be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The program will be covered within six hours and consists of the following topics:

Migration realities
Destination country profile
Employment contract
Health and safety
Financial literacy
Available government programs and services for OFWs
Travel procedures and tips

Learning about these topics will also help OFWs gain a long-term perspective – to prepare for their lives after working overseas by giving them access to programs and services provided by the Philippine government.

How Does the PDOS Help Overseas Filipino Workers?

The PDOS provides valuable information for departing OFWs. They learn about what to expect, as well as what to do and what not to do when they reach their country of employment. They become informed of relevant government agencies and important hotlines they can contact for assistance with any issues they might face (e.g. abuse, conflicts between expectations and the realities of their contract, loans, etc).

The program essentially offers one-day counselling support for OFWs. It helps them become fully aware of what life will be like away from home, the rules and regulations they need to abide by, the customs and traditions they need to respect, and other employment related interests or concerns.

This service is delivered by theOverseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). OFWs employed with a placement or recruitment agency can schedule for PDOS with their respective agencies to avoid any delay in deployment. OWWA’s contact information, including hotline numbers and e-mail addresses can be found here.

What Are the Topics Covered in the PDOS?

Beyond the PDOS, it is imperative that you keep yourself informed about the country you’re going to.Manage your own expectations by being mindful of the realities that you are about to face. And be as prepared as you can be for the challenges and opportunities ahead of you.

What To Expect After Completing The PDOS

After completing the PDOS, you will be given a Certificate of Completion. And yes, you’ve guessed it – this, along with other documents, must be submitted to the POEA for processing. You must also present this document at the airport upon departure.

Make sure to keep all your documents complete and well organized! Save yourself from any delays or troubles at the airport.

You may also visit the POEA website at www.poea.gov.ph, contact them via e-mail at info@poea.gov.ph, or call 722-11-44 / 722-11-55. The POEA is located at Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue, corner EDSA, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.

Got more questions?

You’re always welcome to ask us anytime! Meanwhile, check out our article about illegal recruiters to know more about the do’s and dont’s of applying abroad.

Take a look at our international job openings, and click below so that our recruitment team can review your CV immediately.

Sources:

https://www.imoney.ph/articles/oec-exemption-requirements/ https://www.balikbayad.ph/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-pdos/

As a seasoned expert in the field of overseas employment and migration processes, I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in guiding individuals through the intricate steps of working abroad. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of pre-departure orientation programs, such as the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The PDOS is a crucial component of the preparation for individuals venturing into a new phase of their lives by working abroad. Its significance lies in its ability to mitigate risks and provide comprehensive guidance to first-time OFWs, particularly those departing from the Philippines. The program comprises seven modules, each tailored to equip individuals with the necessary information to navigate the challenges of working overseas.

The modules covered in the PDOS are:

Migration Realities: This module likely delves into the broader context of migration, including the challenges and opportunities that OFWs might encounter during their work abroad.
Destination Country Profile: A detailed exploration of the specific country of employment, offering insights into its culture, laws, and societal norms.
Employment Contract: Guidance on understanding and abiding by the terms and conditions of the employment contract, ensuring clarity and adherence to legal obligations.
Health and Safety: Information on maintaining health and safety standards, including medical requirements and emergency procedures.
Financial Literacy: Empowering OFWs with knowledge on managing their finances effectively while working abroad.
Government Programs and Services for OFWs: An overview of available support systems provided by the Philippine government, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Travel Procedures and Tips: Practical advice on travel logistics, documentation, and tips to ease the transition to a new country.

The PDOS serves as a form of one-day counseling support, offering OFWs a comprehensive understanding of what awaits them abroad. Conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), it ensures that OFWs are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by their overseas employment.

Upon completion of the PDOS, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, a crucial document that must be submitted to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for processing. This certificate, along with other required documents, must also be presented at the airport before departure to avoid any delays.

For further information, individuals can reach out to the POEA through their website, email (info@poea.gov.ph), or phone (722-11-44 / 722-11-55). Being well-informed about the entire process and managing expectations is essential for a smooth transition into the overseas working life.

Stay updated on relevant topics by subscribing to reliable sources, and feel free to explore additional resources on platforms like www.imoney.ph and www.balikbayad.ph for a more in-depth understanding of the requirements and processes involved in working abroad.