Manila, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially announced a new global minimum salary for Filipino domestic workers, raising the baseline monthly pay from USD 400 to USD 500. The measure, issued under DMW Advisory No. 25-2025, forms part of the agency’s continuing reforms to improve the welfare and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Transition Period and Implementation
The new wage floor comes with a 60-day transition period, after which all contracts for Filipino household service workers (HSWs) processed through the DMW must reflect the updated amount. This applies both to new hires and contract renewals, ensuring that returning workers also benefit from the increase.
The DMW clarified that the USD 500 is a minimum standard, not a maximum, and higher wages may apply depending on host-country laws and employer agreements. The policy replaces the old USD 400 benchmark, which had been in effect since 2006 under POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 5.
Country-Specific Impacts
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia does not enforce a statutory minimum wage for domestic workers, but Filipino HSWs were commonly hired at around SAR 1,500 (≈ USD 400). Under the new rule, contracts must now reflect USD 500, equivalent to about SAR 1,875, for DMW approval.
Kuwait
Kuwaiti labor law guarantees a minimum wage of KWD 60 for all domestic workers. However, for Filipinos, the DMW standard now requires at least USD 500 (≈ KWD 154) in contracts, significantly higher than the host-country floor.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has no government-set minimum wage for household workers, but the Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai previously verified contracts at AED 1,500+. With the new policy, this rises to USD 500 (≈ AED 1,836).
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s long-standing Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers already exceeds the DMW floor. As of September 28, 2024, the MAW is HKD 4,990 per month, plus a food allowance of HKD 1,236 if meals are not provided.
Singapore
Singapore does not legislate minimum wages for foreign domestic workers. Filipino workers deployed there will now have to meet the USD 500 floor, as required by Philippine regulations, for contracts to be verified.
What This Means for Workers and Employers
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For OFWs: Filipino domestic workers renewing or applying for contracts after the transition period must ensure their agreements reflect USD 500 or higher. This will be strictly checked during MWO contract verification abroad.
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For Employers and Agencies: Offers and recruitment packages must be adjusted to comply with the new standard. The DMW has instructed MWOs to coordinate with host governments and accredited agencies to ensure smooth implementation.
Quick Reference Salary Floors
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DMW global minimum (Filipino HSWs): USD 500/month
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Saudi Arabia (Filipinos): USD 500 ≈ SAR 1,875
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Kuwait (Filipinos): USD 500 ≈ KWD 154
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UAE (Filipinos): USD 500 ≈ AED 1,836
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Hong Kong (all FDHs): HKD 4,990 + HKD 1,236 food allowance
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Singapore (Filipinos): USD 500 (Philippine floor; no local minimum)
Bottom Line: The salary increase represents a significant win for Filipino domestic workers, aligning wages more closely with the rising cost of living in host countries and reinforcing the Philippine government’s commitment to fair treatment of its OFWs.
