Tag: pre-departure

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar PDOS for OFWs and Seafarers

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) of OWWA and CFO is required for all Filipinos planning to work or migrate overseas. It’s a mandatory seminar that provides aspiring OFWs and emigrants with essential information and guidance to ensure successful deployment and adjustment abroad. It covers immigration, labor laws, financial management, cultural adaptability, and travel procedures. That’s why we’ve created this guide regarding PDOS to help OFWs and emigrants.

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who need to attend this seminar, avail of PDOS at OWWA headquarters, Pasay City. PDOS is also offered online through the official OWWA website. In addition, PDOS is mandatory for every single OWWA member, including OFWs for foreign employers and foreign company employees in the Philippines. For emigrants, you should attend PDOS at the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) or through the CFO mobile app.

What is PDOS Meaning

PDOS stands for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, a required program for overseas domestic workers and emigrants before they are permitted to depart the Philippines. Under this orientation program, seminars are available for varying domestic job destinations since it’s according to a specific country or location. The previous workers in the destination countries manage the PDOS seminars. It only takes 6 hours in one day to complete.

The Philippines has been providing OFWs and emigrants with PDOS since 1993. It is included in the Pre-Departure Education Programs providing tailored and relevant details to Filipinos to assist them in a new work environment and destination country culture. Moreover, this session should be attended by workers, specifically those departing the Philippines to work abroad for the first time. PDOS courses deliver an in-depth guide for future OFWs and emigrants.

PDOS Modules

Here are the following topics covered under PDOS:

1. Migration Realities

The migration realities module provides emigrants and possible OFWs with a preview of working life abroad. It also discusses social security concerns, settlement topics, and airport rules and procedures. This module will also help and guide workers on how to adjust.

2. Destination Country Profile

The destination country profile module can help workers understand their employer’s cultural views and religious policies.

3. Employment Contract

Under this module, OFWs will learn the responsibilities and rights stated in their employment contract.

4. Health and Safety

This module provides vital details regarding health and safety to ensure workers’ overall well-being and physical wellness while living a new life and working abroad.

5. Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy is an essential module for emigrants and prospective OFWs, which provides tips on financial management to ensure their future while abroad. It includes financial and joint planning and remittances. Also, it covers credit rating and history, which is essential in other countries.

6. Available Government Programs and Services for OFWs

Before departing, emigrants and OFWs will also learn about the available in-country and overseas government programs and services from OWWA.

7. Travel Procedures and Tips

Lastly, emigrants and future OFWs will learn necessary procedures, rules, protocols, and other travel-related information.

PDOS Programs

Currently, Filipinos planning to work or migrate abroad can access two types of PDOS programs, including:

Country-Specific PDOS

This PDOS program is for emigrants and OFWs going to certain countries, which is a one-day session only. For instance, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America offer a country-specific PDOS seminar for OFWs and emigrants.

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

Meanwhile, the CPDEP is a one-week program for Domestic Workers or Household Service Workers (HSWs). It includes all the topics covered in Country-Specific PDOS and the following modules:

Finding work and coping with the realities of life in a new country
Resolving conflict and improving relationships
Understanding your role as an OFW
Working with other organizations such as non-government, community, and faith-based organizations abroad
Preparing for reintegration upon return to the Philippines.

But take note, due to the pandemic, workers or emigrants can now attend an online PDOS that only last for hours, depending on the orientation flow.

Benefits

The PDOS is a required orientation for emigrants and OFWs, which provides the necessary details to help them adapt to a new country and working environment. Since being deployed overseas for the first time is challenging, PDOS makes it less difficult for OFWs and emigrants to adjust in the first six months. It equips them with sufficient knowledge when encountering international migration challenges, from cultural and language adaptation to addressing labor concerns and permanent residence overseas.

Most of all, OFWs attending PDOS will learn tips, what to do and who to call in times of difficulties abroad. The seminars provided during PDOS are also skills and country-specific, ensuring that future OFWs are ready for overseas employment. At the time of writing, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and CFO provide PDOS. Thus, all OFWs and emigrants are encouraged to attend PDOS before leaving the Philippines to migrate or work abroad.

Requirements

For emigrants and OFWs attending the orientation program, here are the following requirements you should secure:

For OFWs/Temporary Workers/Household Service Workers (Domestic Workers):

Original and photocopy of passport with at least six (6) months of validity from the departure date
Original and photocopy of Employment Contract
Original valid visa
Endorsement from a recruitment agency
OWWA membership fee of $25 (converted to local currency based on foreign exchange rate)
One(1) valid government-issued ID with a photo

For Emigrants:

Original and photocopy of passport with at least six (6) months of validity from the departure date
Original valid visa
One(1) valid government-issued ID with a photo

Country-Specific Requirements for Emigrants:

PDOS Attendance, Peer Counseling, or Guidance Counseling session
Certificate of Eligibility (for Japan-bound emigrants)
Certificate of Permanent Residency (COPR) not torn or signed before departure (for Canada-bound emigrants)
Duly-accomplished registration form
Employment contract (for immigrant workers)
Immigration Data Summary attached to visa packet except for K visa holder (for USA-bound emigrants)
Nulla Osta (for Italy-bound emigrants)
Registration fee payment of P400.00
Printed Visa Grant Notification Letter (for Australia-bound emigrants)
Work to Residence Visa Letter of Approval (for New Zealand-bound emigrants)

Once you have completed the PDOS or Peer Counselling Program, the CFO sticker is attached to your Philippine passport. Then, the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) will examine the CFO sticker before allowing you to leave the airport. You should also have a stable internet connection, mobile phone, or desktop if attending PDOS online.

Additional documents for emigrants registered by a representative:

One (1) original valid ID with a photo of the representative
Medical certificate/report (except for 60 years old and above)
Letter of authorization from the emigrant (if applicable)

For representatives who are not the natural/legal/biological parent of emigrants 12 years old and below:

One (1) original valid ID with a photo of the representative
Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or duly notarized authorization letter from parents/guardian issued in the Philippines/overseas

For emigrants who resided in the destination country for two months total:

Previous visa or landing stamp
Foreign government-issued IDs (such as driver’s licenses or state identification cards)

Qualifications

The PDOS program is open to all OFWs, temporary workers, and emigrants. However, the following emigrants don’t need to attend PDOS:

Minors 12 years old and below
60 years old and above senior citizens
Incapacitated individuals due to long-term or permanent illnesses
Physically challenged individuals or those with mental illnesses
Emigrants who resided in the destination country for two months in total

How to Apply for PDOS

For Household Service Workers (Domestic Workers):

The recruitment agency is responsible for scheduling and informing OFWs regarding PDOS sessions. Just prepare and download the Zoom app link for the orientation. Then, attend the scheduled seminar to get the certificate required for departure.

For Emigrants:

Launch your browser and search for CFO Online PDOS Account Creation or visit this link to register a PDOS account.
Fill out the required fields and provide an active email address.
Upload a photo of your visa and passport and click submit.
Check your provided email and look for the CFO message.
Submit the required documents to get a PDOS webinar schedule.
Finish the webinar, and you’ll get a link via email to continue the registration.
Fill out the CFO Online Registration Form
Pay the P400.00 Registration Fee via GCash or Bayad Center Outlets.
Send a copy of the payment receipt, passport, and visa to ofcors.payment@cfo.gov.ph.
You’ll receive an OF-CORS Temporary Certificate as payment and registration confirmation.
Check your email for the Tracking Number of documents sent to your delivery address.
Wait for the delivery of your CFO document. Then, present it for airport clearance.

Take note, the CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS) for emigrants has a cut-off time. OF-CORS is only available for emigrants from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take PDOS online?

Yes, you can take PDOS online. OFWs can take PDOS via the OWWA website, while emigrants can attend via OFCORS.

2. Can I take PDOS without a visa?

No, an original valid visa of the country of work is required to attend PDOS.

3. How long is PDOS seminar online?

The PDOS seminar will only take 6 hours a day to complete.

4. How much is the PDOS seminar?

The PDOS seminar is free of charge. But CFO will collect a P400.00 convenience and courier fee if processing through OFCORS.

5. Is PDOS required for senior citizens?

Senior citizen emigrants don’t need PDOS.

Summary

The PDOS program is an essential seminar for OFWs, temporary workers, and emigrants. It’s available online through OWWA and CFO. On the other hand, CFO gives exemptions to some individuals, including senior citizens and minors.

With this seminar, Filipino workers and emigrants will learn the do’s and don’ts in their destination country, which makes it easier for them to survive and adapt. So possible OFWs, temporary workers, and emigrants should attend PDOS before departing the Philippines.

OWWA Pre-Departure Education Program

Since the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) was established, they have provided overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or a Pre-Departure Education Program. This program provides them with all the essential and tailored information relevant to help them cope with the new environment they are about to work in and learn about the culture of their destination country.

Also Read: Complete List of OWWA Programs, Benefits, and Services

Additionally, the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) was expanded overtime when the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) was implemented and these two are the basic programs of OWWA’s knowledge and education policy for the overall safety and welfare of the OFWs.

What is the OWWA – Pre-Departure Education Program?

Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) consists of a one-day comprehensive orientation for OFWs about their employment contract, country profile, health and safety, financial literacy, travel tips, and other relevant and vital information to assist and prepare them for their departure. This one-day comprehensive orientation also covers a set of seven (7) modules aimed to provide comprehensive advice to aspiring OFWs. The orientation usually took six (6) hours long.

Topics Covered by the Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

1. Migration realities

Cultural Perspectives

OFW Code of Discipline

2. Destination Country Profile

Working Hours

Multi-Cultural environment

3. Employment Contract

OFW contract rights and obligations, as well as what to do if the contract is broken

4. Health and Safety

Health and Safety for OFWs

5. Financial Literacy

The importance of financial planning, saving, and investing.

6. Available government programs and services for OFWs

OWWA Programs and Services

Other government agencies involved in migration

7. Travel procedures and tips

DO’s and DONTs while traveling

Agencies Conducting Seminars

Government Departments

NGOs

Private individuals acting as service providers

Philippine Red Cross – has also hosted PDOS in cooperation with the Philippine Government and recruitment agencies.

National Society – is also another agency that offers psychological support to OFWs’ families as they adjust to the changes in their family structure brought on by their overseas jobs.

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP)

The Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) is another type of PDOS for Household Service Workers (HSWs) or Domestic Workers (DWs). This seminar is a four to six-day mandatory orientation seminar for Domestic Workers. This program aims to educate and prepare them for working outside the country where the culture, customs, and traditions are drastically different. The seminar orientation consists of three modules; Basic Language Training, Cultural Familiarization, and Stress Management.

1. Basic Language Training

The Basic Language Training of OWWA offers a Language and Culture Familiarization Course which began in January 2007 offering Arabic Language classes and later on expanded.

Below is the list of all the language courses offered by OWWA for the OFWs.

Arabic – three (3) days of training

Cantonese – three (3) days of training

Hebrew – three (3) days of training

Italian – three (3) days of training

Mandarin – six (6) days of training

Under this training course, trainees will receive extensive language training as well as basic household vocabulary. This training course also covers the different forms of Arabic, Cantonese, Hebrew, Italian, and Mandarin languages, history, culture, faith, and justice system including the prohibitions to make them more conscious and prepared. Additionally, the training program also provides the trainees with a proper pronunciation guide, greetings and apologies, numerals and currency, calendar, time, customs, and values.

2. Cultural Familiarization

This module addresses any potential cultural barriers that aspiring OFWs may face when working in another country.

3. Stress Management

This module prepares the employees physically and psychologically for any pressures brought by working in another country. This training course also aims to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and effects of stress. It also discusses workers’ current coping strategies being validated and their new coping mechanisms being created.

Additionally, this seminar is a half-day program conducted to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of stress and assist in physically and mentally preparing them for the challenges of working abroad.

OWWA Accredited Providers of PDOS and CPDEP

1. Agency Associations (AIs)

These agencies conduct PDOS for skilled, technical and professional workers of their member agencies.

2. Country Specific (CS)

3. Recruitment Agencies

They can either be sea-based or land based. They conduct PDOS for their own skilled workers.

4. NGOs

They conduct PDOS for HSWs, OPAs and workers belonging to vulnerable occupational groups.

5. Supplemental PDOS

List of OWWA Regional Offices (RWOs)

RWO NCR – Pasay City

RWO CAR – Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region

RWO I – San Fernando, La Union

RWO II – Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

RWO III – San Fernando, Pampanga

RWO IV-A – Calamba, Laguna

RWO IV-B – Malate, Manila

RWO V – Legazpi City

RWO VI – Ilo-Ilo City

RWO VII – Cebu City

RWO VIII – Tacloban

RWO IX – Zamboanga City

RWO X – Cagayan De Oro City

RWO XI – Davao City

RWO XII – Koronadal City

RWO CARAGA – Butuan City

RWO ARMM – Cotabato City

Benefits

Below are the benefits that the trainees or aspiring OFWs may get from PDOS and CPDEP.

The PDOS and CPDEP aim to help OFWs adapt to their new jobs and remain at them for the first six months of their employment.

They also address the basic needs of OFWs for orientation and do not overburden them with details.

The trainees are also equipped with relevant and reliable information through country-specific orientation seminars which are sometimes as skill-specific as possible to help them in the transition to their new work environment as quickly as possible.

This seminar also increases the responsiveness of PDOS for HSWs to the health and security needs of this vulnerable population.

Additionally, this training course will prepare the HSWs to deal with the difficult job conditions and climate in international households.

Qualifications

Here are the eligibility requirements for the PDOS and CPDEP.

Emigrating Filipinos from the Philippines – those who have been issued an immigrant visa)

Adults between the age group of 20 to 59 years old and children between the ages of 13 to 19 years old.

Adults more than 59 years old and children below 13 years old are not eligible to take PDOS and CPDEP.

Requirements

Below are the list of all the required documents that you have to prepare and secure to attend for PDOS and CPDEP.

Original and valid passport

Original and valid visa

One (1) valid identification card (ID) with a picture

Payment

for PDOS, a Php 400 intended for Registration Fee

for CDEP, there’s no Registration Fee but you have to pay $25 OWWA membership fee

PDOS or CPDEP Attendance

An Original of the following country-specific documents:

Immigrant Data Summary for US-bound emigrants except for the K visa holders.

A Permanent Residence Confirmation for emigrants heading to Canada.

A Nulla Osta for emigrants heading to Italy.

A Certificate of Eligibility for emigrants heading to Japan.

For emigrants heading to Australia, a Letter of Approval for Work to Residence Visa is required.

A Letter of Approval for Work to Residence Visa is also required for emigrants heading to New Zealand.

Procedure

Here is a step-by-step guide and instructions to make an online appointment for the PDOS and CPDEP.

Step 1: See the public notice about PDOS or CPDEP.

Step 2: Then, complete all the preliminary questions below to see if the PDOS or CPDEP is required, and then fill in your email address and click the “Submit” button.

Questions:

How are you related to your petitioner/sponsor?

What is your country of destination?

What is your visa type/category/classification?

Step 3: After that, check your inbox including your SPAM folder for a confirmation letter. Then, click “Confirm Email” and fill out the details on the “PERSONAL INFORMATION” tab.

Step 4: Then, you will be notified if you are expected to attend the PDOS or CPDEP.

To participate in PDOS, you’ll have to go to the “SET YOUR SCHEDULE” page and use the calendar to choose your desired date and time. Take note that there are limited slots available per session per day.

If you are exempted to attend PDOS or CPDEP, proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: You have to complete the online registration form and click the “Proceed to registration” button.

Step 6: Then, upload a recent and clear picture and fill out all the required fields on the registration form with complete and accurate details.

Step 7: After that, the barcoded confirmation form can be downloaded and printed. Then, bring this along with all other specifications to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) on the appointed date. Additionally, your Registration Form needs NOT to be printed. Also, for the Verification Phase, please arrive at CFO at least 2 hours ahead of your scheduled PDOS or CPDEP.

Important Reminders

Here are some of the important things you have to remember about the Pre-Departure Program by OWWA.

After you have completed the PDOS or CPDEP, you’ll be given a Certificate of Completion.

The Certificate of Completion will be then submitted to the POEA for processing.

Additionally, you have to present your Certificate of Completion upon departure.

Aside from the PDOS and CPDEP, it is also essential that you will stay updated about the country you’ll be visiting.

More importantly, take note that CFO will only approve PDOS or CPDEP applications that meet all of the registration criteria.

If you have additional questions, you may contact your nearest OWWA Regional Office (RWO) through their respective Facebook page or here – https://facebook.com/OWWAofficial

Video: Pre-Departure Education Program – PDOS and CPDEP

This video is very helpful and insightful as it will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). This video tackles the important things you need to know about the PDOS program such as the financial benefits you may get from the said program as well as some helpful tips when applying for the PDOS program.

Additionally, it was also discussed in the video the things you have to avoid when you are attending the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). Aside from that, you will also get an overview of what to expect to learn during the orientation seminar. There are still other important things you can learn from this video about the PDOS program hence; it is advised that you try to watch the full video.

Another video can be accessed here below:

This video will provide you with more information on how to apply for the Pre-Departure Education Program. This is only a short video but it is very insightful. Here, you will get an overview of the topics of discussion included in the orientation seminars. You will also learn here how to reserve a seat to attend the orientation seminar. Aside from that, you will be taught what documents to secure for registration.

Additionally, you will learn who are the ones exempted to attend the orientation seminar. Thus, it is also recommended for you watch this video to broaden your understanding of the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) of OWWA before attending the seminar.

If you wish to know more about the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), you may watch this video here:

This video discusses OWWA training tips and reminders for Domestic workers or caregivers. Hence, it is also helpful and a great advantage to learn these things and tips before attending the seminar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) the same?

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) have the same objective – that is to provide the aspiring overseas Filipino workers with all the essential and tailored information relevant to help them cope with the new environment they are about to work in and learn about the culture of their destination country. However, the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) is only intended for Household Service Workers (HSWs).

2. Who is exempted from attending the Pre-Departure Education Program?

Children below 13 years old and adults more than 59 years old are exempt from attending the Pre-Departure Education Program.

3. Do I need to bring my PDOS certificate to the airport?

You have to bring your PDOS or CPDEP certificate at the airport upon departure if you are a first-timer. However, if you are a Balik Manggagawa, there is no need to bring it.

4. I’m a student, do I still need to attend PDOS even if I have a student visa?

If you are a student pursuing studies abroad, you also have to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar intended for international or exchange students for this is a requisite.

5. How about the tourist visa holders, do they still need to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar?

Tourist visa holders also need to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) since this is a requirement when you exit the country and visit, work, or move to another foreign country.

6. Are there any fees I have to pay when I intend to attend the PDOS for Domestic Workers abroad?

For Domestic Workers, you don’t have to pay any fees to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) because it will be paid by your agency. You are just required to attend the orientation seminar and learn more about the things you have to remember when working in another country.

7. How much is the registration fee to attend the Pre-Departure Education Program?

There is a Php 400 registration fee to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). For the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), there is no required registration fee but you must be an active member of OWWA.

8. Are PDOS and CPDEP mandatory for overseas Filipino workers?

PDOS and CPDEP are mandatory orientation seminars that are conducted for all emigrants that are departing for the first time regardless of work classifications. However, CPDEP is specifically intended for Household Service Workers (HSWs) such as caregivers and domestic workers.

9. Do I need to renew my OWWA membership to attend the PDOS or CPDEP?

It is advised and highly recommended to renew your OWWA membership before registering for any of their grants, seminars, or other programs to ensure that you can get the most from them. Inactive OWWA members can not register for the program.

Summary

Hence, this is the process of applying for the Pre-Departure Education Program by OWWA. Just keep in mind to secure all the documentary requirements before applying for the Pre-Departure Education Program and follow the application procedures mentioned above. Additionally, visit the official website of OWWA or the Commission on Filipinos Overseas to stay updated on their announcements and other public notice here – https://cfo.gov.ph/.

If you have some concerns or questions, you may use their contact them on their Facebook page here – https://facebook.com/OWWAofficial.