Your Guide to the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
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 the Overseas 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.
PDOS is country-specific and at times, skills-specific to ensure that OFWs will be prepared by the time of deployment. At present, the PDOS is conducted by OWWA.
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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/
