GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SEMINAR - USEM Manila

[steveee 0]

Is this CFO seminary compulsory? Well, I can't understand why this is needed. Most of people I know who will work abroad or even decides to live there doesn't have this things.

What if I don't want to attend the seminar? What will happen?

Is this CFO seminar compulsory? Well, I can't understand why this is needed. Most of people I know who will work abroad or even decides to live there doesn't have this things.

What if I don't want to attend the seminar? What will happen?

The immigration officer wont let you to exit the Philippines without the certificate from CFO! you need to comply that...

[Fred N Emilia 0]

I was a little upset to hear about it the last minute and that my SO is a plane ride away from CFO Manila, I was pissed! But since it is a requirement and it's only a 2 to 3 hour session it's all good, we have no choice but to comply.

Thanks Everyone for your replies! Truly Appreciated!

[cieloazul 0]

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SEMINAR is required for fiancee's traveling abroad, I read the guides.

Question:

My fiancee has 2 kids, (7 and 9 yrs of age). Do the kids need to be in the seminar with her? Can the kids skip this seminar and just have my fiancee attend it?

Children 12 and under aren't required to attend but are supposed to be registered:

Filipino emigrants or those leaving the country to settle permanently abroad are required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). Part of its registration requirements is attendance in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) to prepare them for settlement overseas. Those who are 12 years old and below are exempt from attending the PDOS. They must, however, be registered, even if by proxy. Children of emigrants, aged 13 to 19, are required to attend the Peer Counseling Program to help facilitate their adjustment to a new environment.

[ryandgracey 2]

The seminar is given as a pre-requisite for OFW's and fiance's, fiancee's and spouses of foreign nationals before they travel outside the Philippines. I understand the rationale behind this as the gov't just wishes to provide some form of protection to Filipinos by informing them about how and where to find help if something nasty arises. Yes, we here trust our foreign partners/employers but there are still some who trusted and suffered..know what I mean? There are men out there who will appear sweet and loving and will put their best foot forward to get a partner, but once that happens, become abusive. And who will these poor women run to for help?

The seminar also serves as a sort of orientation as to how your life will be in whatever country you go to and gives some travel advice as well as advice on such things like how to apply for SSN, driver's license, etc.

Children 12 and below are not required to attend the seminar. You may, however, have the CFO sticker affixed to your passport once you have your visa. You just need to present your certificate of attendance and a photocopy of your passport and visa and a passport-sized photo, as well as photocopies of your kids' passports and visas and photos..