To prevent ‘culture shock,’ OWWA to give pre-departure seminar to Saudi-bound maids

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will soon conduct mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Saudi-bound household service workers (HSWs).

In the DOLE Department Order No. 336, series of 2012, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz also ordered the consolidation of the PDOS with the Language and Culture Familiarization Training (LCFT).

OWWA was instructed to issue a certificate of attendance which will be required by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for the processing of the domestic workers’ employment contracts.

OWWA administrator Carmelita Dimzon said the PDOS will help domestic helpers avoid culture shock as they seek employment in a foreign land.

Dimzon said the domestic workers will also be given values orientation and health and safety guides.

They will likewise be briefed on the social preparation for reintegration when they return after their employment and will be guided on their exit and re-entry plans.

The OWWA is expected to issue the implementing guidelines within seven days. – VVP, GMA News