The Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is an initiative of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). It is an information drive through an online seminar which educates Filipinos wishing to work abroad.
This article is a summary of the important details regarding PEOS, as shared to us by an OFW in Qatar through her YouTube channel.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFWs in the videos below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFWs by commenting on their videos on their accounts.
Everything You Need to Know About PEOS
The following information is shared to us by Pick by KM, an OFW YouTuber from Qatar. You can access her video below:
Here’s a summary of the information provided by Pick by KM. She mentioned that the information and the policies might change so better visit the POEA official website.
- PEOS is a pre-qualification requirement from the POEA.
- The PEOS is free and can be done online. Check out the link here.
- The PEOS has eight (8) modules.
At the end of each module, there are 5 questions that you need to answer to test your comprehension.
What is the Purpose of PEOS?
- It is a pre-employment requirement.
- This is required if you’re thinking about working abroad.
- You can also do this for research purposes only.
- It can also be done for future documentation.
How to Apply for This Seminar
Create an account – make sure you save your log-in details (e-mail address and password).
You can now start the modules!
PEOS Modules
Module 1 – Factors to Consider Before Working Abroad
In this module, you will begin to think about questions like, when you leave your family behind to work abroad, are you fully decided?
It also talks about salaries; is it worth it to leave your family with the salary you will be getting abroad? The module also guides you on how to deal with your expenses.
Module 2 – Job Searching
In this module, you will learn where to apply, or which agencies can help you with your job search and application.
Module 2 also emphasizes the importance of POEA for Filipinos planning to work abroad. For one, you can go directly to POEA if you’re looking for a job but don’t have an agency.
Moreover, it talks about how we should be careful about choosing a legal agency; one that is registered and has a license.
Module 3 – Avoiding Illegal Recruiters
Here are some reminders when talking to recruiters:
- Look for their license.
- Stay alert – be suspicious when they ask for an early placement fee.
- Get a receipt when you pay a placement fee.
- Legal recruiters will give you a working visa, NOT a tourist visa.
- They should have an office, and not just negotiate with you in the mall or in any public place.
- Be suspicious when they can’t answer your questions, and just say they will refer you to someone else.
- Legitimate recruiters don’t ask you to do wire transfers or pay money through Western Union, Palawan, etc.
Module 4 – Agency Fees
Fees include:
- Placement fee – This is equivalent to one month basic salary. This will only be paid once you sign a contract.
- Payments for documentation – This includes Barangay clearance, Police clearance, etc.
- Compulsory insurance coverage
Module 5 – The Employment Contract
The terms and conditions in an employment contract should contain:
- Work site
- Length of contract
- Position or designation
- Work schedule
- Salary
- Overtime Pay
- Transportation, food, vacation
- Compensation
- Your rights if you wish to terminate your contract
Module 6 – All About Working and Living Abroad
According to Pick by KM, topics discussed include visa fee, medical exams, airfare, climate, food, dress code, general lifestyle, and more.
You will learn about the restrictions in the country you are going to work in. One example is the strict dress code in Qatar.
Module 7 – Health and Security
It talks about the different communicable diseases like SARS, Polio, MERS, and perhaps Coronavirus. You will learn about the nature of these diseases and how you can prevent infection.
The module also discusses emergency contingency plans in case epidemics or pandemics arise.
Module 8 – POEA Services
This last module highlights the services that POEA offers to Filipinos wanting to work abroad.
After completing all modules and passing the quizzes after each module, you will now receive a certification which you can print and bring to POEA.
There you have it. If you’re planning to work as an OFW, then don’t forget to go to the POEA website and join this important seminar.