Starting a journey to work overseas is an exhilarating and life-changing experience. However, before you start this adventure, you must equip yourself with knowledge and preparation. Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking new horizons or a fresh graduate ready to explore the global job market, understanding the essential considerations for overseas work is paramount. Some or all of these things will also be covered in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar.

 

Accommodation

Usually, your recruitment agency (before deployment) or sponsor/employer will cover the accommodation, which could be on-site or off-site housing facilities. Other types include shared or single accommodation, and boarding houses or hostels. The Republic Act No. 11641 which created the DMW also provide a rule that a Philippine recruitment agency or foreign employer/principal shall provide OFWs with adequate provisions such as bed, blankets, drinking water, other amenities and toilet facilities. 

 

Cost of living

Cost of living depends on the country of employment, and the specific situations of each OFWs family and individual. It can be influenced by the following:

• Currency exchange

• Educational expenses

• Food

• Healthcare 

• Housing (excluded if the employer shoulders the accommodation)

• Remittance 

• Transportation

• Utilities

 

Crisis and emergency procedures 

You may never know if your host country will have political unrest, war or natural disaster. In case of emergencies, stay informed about the emergency contacts such as the Philippine consulate, embassy, local authorities and the number provided by your employer.

• Foreign Service Posts

• Directory of Labor Attaches

• Philippine Embassies and Consulates General

 

Culture 

Knowing the culture of your host country will ease your integration, and reduce your anxiety and loneliness. Get informed about the country’s food, cultural symbols, etiquette, language, religion, and social norms.

 

Financial planning

This proverb “Life is like a wheel” holds truth since you won’t be always on the top or bottom. You’ll never know if your employer’s financial standing remains strong. Plan ahead and spend your money wisely.

 

Healthcare and insurance

Most employers cover their employee's healthcare by providing them with health cards or health insurance. This may vary depending on the employer’s agreement with the insurance provider and specific policy. You must clarify this in the contract, employer-principal, and recruitment agency. Things that insurance might cover include laboratory tests, annual checkups, preventive care, emergency care, dental and vision, maternity, evacuation, and repatriation.

Further, health checks are also conducted to ensure health fitness or to comply with the visa policies of the host country regarding specific health conditions.

 

Language skills

Knowing your host country’s language is always a good idea, and speaking the tongue of the locals will help you integrate faster into their culture. For example, knowing Japanese before your deployment in Japan can make it easier for you to understand and speak greetings, directions, and signage.
 

 

Local laws 

Understanding the legal framework and regulations ensures compliance, and helps you know your rights and responsibilities. You’ll avoid legal problems and experience safe and secure overseas work.

 

Medicine and drug policies

Many countries allow regulated medicines for a limited amount provided there’s a physician’s prescription. Others restrict or forbid over-the-counter/prescription drugs containing substances listed as illegal drugs. For example, some totally legal medicines in the Philippines, Europe, or the United States can land you into trouble if you bring them in excess in Japan, which enforces a strict policy on narcotics and illegal drugs. 

Many over-the-counter medicines are allowed in many countries but some medications containing stimulants including (but are not limited to) are prohibited in Japan as they contain narcotic, psychotropic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard. The above list is not definitive and exhaustive, and you should contact the Japanese embassy or consulate.

• Actifed, 
• Aderall
• Advil Cold & Sinus, 
• Antipsychotics
• Dristan Sinus, 
• Lomotil 
• Medicines containing Amphetamines, Hydrocodone, Methamphetamines, Morphine, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone etc.
• NyQuil, 
• Sudafed, 
• Tylenol Cold, 
• Vicks Inhaler,

An excess of two months' supply will require Yunyu Kakuninsho or Import Confirmation Medication issued by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.

To make sure your medicine is allowed and to verify accuracy, check with your host country’s embassy, its website and office. Here are useful sites for checking a specific country’s regulations for travellers carrying medicines and traveller’s healthcare-related info.

• International Narcotics Control Board - An International treaty body that implements and monitors drug control pursuant to UN conventions. It also assists member states in implementing the conventions.
• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers - An independent association that aims to reduce health-related risks for travellers.
• National registers of authorized medicines - Compilation of authorized medicines in EU member states.
• Common medications banned in other countries - A list of Reader’s Digest.

 

Networking and social integration

Filipinos are among the nationalities with large diaspora globally. Wherever there are Filipino expat communities, you can find associations that provide meetings, advice, protection, and rights. By joining them, you can expand your network, make friends, and even find your love life.

 

Overseas Exit Clearance

A travel document required for departing OFWs. It certifies the regularity of the overseas employee and serves as an exemption from terminal fees and travel tax. For non-OFWs such as tourists, this is not required as mentioned by DMW news release. OECs are not also required for OFWs with valid work visas or travellers with permanent residence in other countries. They are not also required for those returning to the same employer or serving the contract. DMW announced that starting July 29, 2023 OECs are free for rehires or Balik-Manggawa OFWs.

Passport

Passport is the most important travel document. You should have a valid one or if you’re an experienced OFW or traveller, ensure you have a renewed passport. Nowadays, a renewed passport has a validity of ten years and six months before expiry. For more info about the passport validity rule, visit Worldpopulationreview.com. Today, in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Philippine passports include microchips to prevent counterfeiting and improve security.

To obtain or renew a passport in the Philippines, follow the steps and requirements provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

1. Schedule an appointment: Visit the DFA website to schedule an appointment for passport renewal or get a new passport.
   • Requirements
   • Passport Appointment
   • Passport Frequently Asked Questions
2. Complete Application Form: Fill out the passport renewal application form.
3. Personal Appearance: Personal appearance is required for the application process.
4. Bring Required Documents: Bring the necessary documents, such as your latest Philippine passport and a photocopy of the data page, birth certificate, and other applicable documents based on your situation.
5. Pay the Fee: Pay the passport renewal fees.

Location	Regular	Expedited
Aseana and Consular Offices (Within Metro Manila)	PHP950.00 12 business days	PHP1200.00 6 business days
Consular Offices (Outside Metro Manila or provincial satellite DFA offices)	PHP950.00 12 business days	PHP1200.00 7 business days
Foreign Service Posts (Consulates/Embassies)	$60.00 28-60 days	N/A

Source: DFA

      6. Submit Application: Submit your application form and required documents at the designated location based on your appointment schedule.

 

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

PDOS refers to the mandatory training program by the Philippine government to prepare outbound and aspiring OFWs for their overseas deployment. The seminar provides attendees with essential info and skills for a safe and successful overseas employment experience. PDOS covers various topics relevant to OFWs survival in the host country.

• Budgeting and personal finance
• Emergency procedures and contingency planning
• Employment contract, job description and working conditions
• Health and Safety
• Legal rights and responsibilities
• Mental health
• Overview of the host country’s customs, culture, and laws

Useful Link:

• Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar

 

Transportation

Research the different transportation options available in your destination country. Transport modes include buses, trains, ride-hailing services, and car rentals.

 

Visa and immigration

Your agency and employer will take care of your visa and other travel documentation processes, although it can be helpful if you know some basics of visa and immigration.

• World Visa Guide
• Visa and passport basics