The Philippines has increased the minimum wage for overseas domestic workers by 150 dinars, which is equivalent to $500

Doha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to strengthen protection of overseas domestic workers, the Republic of the Philippines has announced a set of reforms, including an increase in the lowest monthly wage to $500 (approximately QR,800)

“The Department shall guarantee fair pay. It will implement an increase in the lowest monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers from $ 400 to $ 500. This change upholds the right of every domestic worker to fair wages. This decision respects existing rules and policies that implement a higher wage. It is,” the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in an advestory. It further added that the increase will be integrated into all employment contracts processed by the DMW. 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that the DMW will offer a 60-day transition period for implementing these reforms.

We will allow ourselves a transition period of 60 days. This period starts after the issuance of the advisory. I will sign the advisory today. “The advisory shall apply to all recruitment agencies and employers here or abroad. It includes those with newly hired domestic workers under employment contracts entered into. It also includes vacationing or returning domestic workers with contracts renewed,” Cacdac said.

The reforms also include the implementation of a mandatory annual medical check-up. Initially, this check-up will be voluntary. The reforms also involve the creation of a separate job category for caregivers. This change recognizes their specialized skills and heavier responsibility. 

The government also plans to introduce ‘know your employer’ video calls before contract signing to guarantee transparency. “Kumusta Kabayan?” – a digital welfare monitoring system – will be launched for continuous protection of workers.

The DMW estimates that about 20% to 30% of all overseas Filipino workers deployed annually are domestic workers.