So, you’re taking a leap of faith to work abroad... Congratulations! It’s a great opportunity to build a better career and earn a larger income. But before you head to the airport, there are several items that you need to accomplish to ensure that the job opportunity is legal and secure.

1. Valid passport with a valid work permit or visa
   Your passport should be valid for at least six months and your visa should reflect the correct type of working permit required by your country of destination. Your prospective employer or principal should either guide or sponsor your visa application.
   
   
2. Pre-employment medical examinations
   As with local employment, you must be declared medically and physically fit to work. Vaccinations will also be required from you before departure.
   
   
3. Insurance
   Your employer or recruitment agency must provide you with insurance that covers your needs adequately for the duration of your employment.
   
   
4. Government-mandated contributions and memberships
   You need to ensure that regular contributions to PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and SSS are made while you’re abroad. You will also have to register with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Visit your local service branches to update your records and indicate that you will be working overseas.
   
   
5. Pre-departure orientation seminars
   Filipinos preparing to work overseas are required by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to attend the pre-departure orientation seminar conducted by OWWA. The seminar will provide you with information about your destination’s culture and working environment, rights and responsibilities based on your employment contract, and how to contact Philippine embassies and agencies, among other things.
   
   
6. Employment contract and OEC
   You’ll need an original copy of your employment contract that must be verified or authenticated by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office or the Philippine embassy in your country of destination. You’ll also need the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued by the POEA, which will certify to immigration officials that you are an overseas worker.
   
   
7. Remittance service provider
   Don’t forget to set up your remittance arrangements with your family. Check out which financial institutions in your destination offer remittance or money transfer services so you can ensure that the money you send will arrive safely and on time.
   
   Remember to photocopy your documents or secure extra authenticated copies if you can, so you will have backup copies to refer to. List down important numbers and contact details for emergencies.

Before you leave for your job overseas, avail of an insurance and investment plan like BPI AIA’s Critical Care Max, which covers your health care needs in the early stages of a critical illness. When you don't have to worry about medical expenses, you can focus all your efforts on getting better and spending time with those who matter most. Critical Care Max is part of the BPI AIA Wellness Series powered by AIA Vitality, which provides you the tools you need to stay motivated and rewarded as you strive to live a healthier, longer, better life.

No need to worry about missing your payments while abroad--you can easily schedule your payments through Automatic Debit Arrangement with your account or enroll in BPI Express Online's bills payment facility.

Message BPI AIA on Facebook or talk to a Bancassurance sales executive at your nearest BPI branch to learn more about your preferred plan and setting up your payments.