Pre-Departure
Orientation & Briefing
for Overseas Workers.
Before you board your flight, you need to know your rights, understand the laws of your destination country, and be prepared for life and work abroad. Our pre-departure orientation covers everything — from labour laws and worker protections to airport procedures and emergency contacts. This briefing is conducted at our Nakodar office in Punjabi and Hindi, so every worker leaves feeling confident and informed.
What the Briefing Covers
Our pre-departure orientation is comprehensive and tailored to your specific destination country and job role. Here are the key areas we cover.
Destination Country Labour Laws
Every country has specific labour laws governing working hours, overtime pay, rest days, end-of-service benefits, and termination procedures. We explain the laws of your specific destination country so you know your legal rights and obligations before you land.
Worker Rights & Protections
As an Indian worker abroad, you have specific rights protected by both Indian law and the destination country's regulations. We cover your right to a signed employment contract, timely salary payment, adequate housing, medical care, and the process to file complaints if your rights are violated.
Cultural Orientation
Working in a foreign country means adapting to different cultural norms, religious practices, and social expectations. We prepare you with practical advice on dress codes, communication etiquette, food habits, religious customs, and social behaviour to help you settle in comfortably.
Financial Literacy & Remittance
Earning abroad is only valuable if you manage your money wisely. We cover how to open a bank account in the destination country, the safest and cheapest ways to send money home to Punjab, how to avoid predatory money transfer agents, and basic budgeting advice.
Health & Safety at the Workplace
Construction sites, factories, and industrial environments in Gulf and European countries have strict safety protocols. We cover mandatory safety equipment usage, heat stroke prevention (critical in Gulf countries), injury reporting procedures, and your right to refuse unsafe work.
Airport & Travel Procedures
For many first-time travellers, the airport experience itself can be overwhelming. We walk you through every step — from check-in at the Indian airport to immigration, customs, baggage claim, and what to do when you land in the destination country.
Emergency Information & Support
We ensure you have every emergency contact and support channel before you leave India. You should never feel stranded abroad.
Indian Embassy Helpline
Every Indian Embassy abroad has a 24/7 helpline for distressed Indian workers. We provide you with the specific contact numbers for your destination country's Indian Embassy and Consulate.
MADAD Portal
The Ministry of External Affairs operates the MADAD portal (madad.gov.in) for Indian citizens abroad to register grievances. We show you how to use this portal and when to use it.
Employer Contact Information
You receive your employer's local contact number, company address, and the name of your point-of-contact person before departure. We verify this information with the employer.
Shiva Travel Support Line
Our commitment does not end at the airport. We provide you with a dedicated contact number for post-arrival support. If you face any issues with your employer, accommodation, or documents, call us.
Local Emergency Numbers
Police, ambulance, fire — every country has different emergency numbers. We provide you with a printed card of all essential emergency numbers for your destination country.
Insurance Claims Process
If you need to use your travel or health insurance abroad, the claims process can be confusing. We explain how to file a claim, what documents to keep, and whom to contact.
Why Pre-Departure Briefing Matters
Many Indian workers face problems abroad not because of the job itself, but because they were not prepared for the realities of working and living in a foreign country. Common issues include:
Our briefing prevents these situations by ensuring every worker knows their rights, responsibilities, and whom to call for help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Departure Briefing
What is Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT)?+
Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) is a mandatory briefing session required by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for all Indian workers going abroad for employment. It covers destination country laws, worker rights, cultural awareness, financial guidance, health and safety, and emergency procedures. The goal is to ensure workers are fully prepared before leaving India.
Is pre-departure briefing mandatory?+
Yes. The Government of India mandates pre-departure orientation for all emigrating workers, especially those going to ECR countries. The Protector of Emigrants (POE) requires proof that the worker has undergone PDOT before granting emigration clearance. We conduct this briefing as part of our recruitment process.
When does the pre-departure briefing happen?+
The briefing is conducted after your visa is stamped and before your departure date, typically 3-7 days before your flight. This timing ensures all your travel documents are ready and the briefing covers your specific destination, employer, and flight details.
How long is the briefing session?+
A comprehensive pre-departure briefing typically lasts 2-3 hours. It covers all essential topics including labour laws, rights, cultural orientation, airport procedures, and emergency contacts. We also allow time for questions and provide printed reference materials you can carry with you.
Is the briefing conducted in Punjabi / Hindi?+
Yes. Our briefings are conducted in Punjabi and Hindi so that every worker fully understands the content. We use simple, practical language with real examples rather than technical legal jargon. The goal is that you leave the session feeling confident and prepared.
What materials do I receive during the briefing?+
You receive a printed pre-departure kit that includes: destination country emergency numbers, Indian Embassy contact details, your employer's contact information, a summary of key labour laws, airport procedure checklist, and important do's and don'ts. This kit stays with you as a reference throughout your time abroad.