PDOS takes 6 hours in a day to finish and provides modules about: immigration facts, destination country culture and facts; labour law, rights, and employment contract; health and safety; financial literacy and practices; government programmes and services available for OFWs; and travel procedures and advice.

Is there a fee for PDOS?

No. The PDOS is free of charge — all costs are covered by the licensed recruitment or sending agency.

How do I attend PDOS?

If you’re employed through a placement or recruitment agency, they will schedule your PDOS session before deployment. Make sure to attend to avoid delays in your overseas departure.

What happens if I skip PDOS?

Without PDOS completion, you may be barred from OEC issuance or leaving the country under the overseas employment programme.

What are the requirements for PDOS?

Agency requirements for PDOS are valid passport, one valid photo ID, valid visa (to follow)

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Categories: Hiring Preparation

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

Q: What is PDOS?

PDOS is short for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, which is a compulsory program overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) must take before given clearance to exit the Philippines for work abroad. The seminar is specific to region or country, meaning there are different seminars for different domestic work destinations.

Updated 21 January 2026

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What is Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)?

PDOS is short for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, which is a compulsory program Filipino domestic helpers must take before given clearance to exit the Philippines for work abroad. This is FREE for domestic worker applicants and other overseas Filipino workers.

The seminar is specific to region or country, meaning there are different seminars for different domestic work destinations. These seminars are facilitated by people who have previously worked in those destination countries. The program takes 6 hours in a day to finish. PDOS provides modules about:

migration facts
destination country culture and facts;
labor law, rights, and employment contract;
health and safety;
financial literacy and practices;
government programs and services available for OFWs; and
travel procedures and advice.

Who Needs to Attend PDOS?

All first-time OFWs, including domestic helpers, are required to attend.
Some returning workers may need PDOS again if they are going to a new country (because PDOS is country-specific).
Helpers deployed through an agency are usually scheduled automatically.

Why Is PDOS Important?

Many helpers describe PDOS as their “first real introduction” to life abroad. It helps them:

Understand cultural norms and expectations
Recognize their labor rights
Avoid illegal recruitment and scams
Learn important safety and emergency information
Get tips on living overseas and communicating with employers
Build emotional readiness before leaving their families

For employers, knowing that your helper completed PDOS means she is better prepared, more informed, and more confident — which can help create a smoother and more respectful working relationship.

Where and How to get PDOS?

PDOS seminars for overseas domestic workers are provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), at their office located in Pasay City and in POEA office in Mandaluyong City. Approved NGOs and private organizations also provide seminars.

If you are getting employed with a placement or recruitment agency, be sure that they schedule you for PDOS to avoid any delay in your deployment. Please contact OWWA directly at 551-1560 or 551-6641 for more details about domestic worker PDOS.

Office locations

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
F.B. Harrison
Pasay City, Manila
Metro Manila
Philippines

Tel: (632) 891-7601
Email:

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
Blas F. Ople Building
Ortigas Avenue
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Philippines

Tel: (632) 722-1144
Tel: (632) 722-1155
Email: info@poea.gov.ph

Supporting Helpers Before They Fly

PDOS may only take one day, but it provides helpers with essential knowledge, confidence, and protection before they leave home. For employers, ensuring that your helper completes PDOS is not just about compliance — it’s about care, respect, and starting your working relationship on the right foot.