The Philippines raises the minimum wage of overseas domestic workers

MANILA - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has raised by $100 the minimum wage rate of Filipino domestic workers abroad to $500 per month as part of its eight-part reform package, local media reports quoting a government official said. 

The official said, “The increase shall be integrated into the employment contract to be processed by (DMW)... and migrant workers’ offices shall be instructed to further engage host governments and private entities abroad to ensure discussion and implementation of this new wage standard.” 

DMW will impose a 60-day transition period for employers and recruitment agencies to be able to adjust to the new minimum pay rate, which was increased to $500 from $400.

Newly hired domestic workers as well as those returning to work, whether for vacation or from unemployment, will be eligible for the new wage rates, the official said.

He said that wage rates could still vary depending on the host country or the overseas employer.

The agency is also studying the implementation of higher minimum wage rates for upskilled workers, including former domestic workers who are trained to become caregivers.

“We just need a bit more time to determine the wage levels of a caregiver… What I’m trying to say is the $500 may be increased further when a domestic worker improves his or her skill set,” he said. 

The pay hike for domestic workers is part of the DMW’s reform programs it announced on Friday.