DMW to roll out protection, hike minimum wage among Filipino domestic workers

To further strengthen the welfare of overseas Filipino domestic workers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on August 22 an increase in minimum wage, annual medical checkups, and other reform packages.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac released Advisory No. 25 s. 2025 during a media briefing, the minimum monthly wage from $400 to at least $500.

“So, to ensure just remuneration and uphold the right of every domestic worker to fair wages, the Department shall implement an increase in the minimum monthly wage from USD 400 to at least USD 500,” Cacdac said.

He emphasized that the wage is not a ceiling and could be higher depending on the host country and the worker’s skills, with the DMW facilitating the wage standard’s implementation.

“The new wage floor reflects the recognition of domestic work as work of equal value deserving fair compensation. Migrant workers’ offices will engage host governments and private entities abroad to discuss and implement this new wage standard,” he added.

Aside from the wage hike, the advisory also reforms other packages to enhance the safety, security, and overall welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

Annual medical checkups will initially be voluntary and later provided free of charge, covering hospitalization and treatment funded by foreign recruitment agencies and employers in case of work-related accidents or illnesses.

Other reforms include a mandatory “Know Your Employer” (KYE) protocol for transparency and informed consent, and the “Kumusta Kabayan?” digital welfare monitoring system for evaluating workers’ well-being.

The package also includes reskilling, upskilling, and career mobility programs, stricter recruitment and accommodation standards, a whitelisting policy for compliant agencies, and a rights-based approach via the DMW AKSYON fund for legal and other assistance.

All reforms will take effect 60 days after issuance and will be integrated into all DMW-processed employment contracts.

“We will allow a 60-day transition period after the issuance of the advisory. The advisory will apply to all recruitment agencies and employers, locally or abroad, for newly hired domestic workers or returning workers with renewed contracts,” Cacdac noted.