Doha, Qatar โ September 10, 2025. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour of Qatar, to further strengthen bilateral labor cooperation, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Enhanced Reforms Program for the protection of Filipino domestic workers in Qatar.
During the ministerial meeting, Secretary Cacdac expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for hosting more than 230,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He also highlighted the Philippinesโ commitment to decent work, ethical recruitment, and improved welfare mechanisms through the adoption of the Enhanced Reform Program for Filipino Domestic Workers.
Key Reforms Highlighted
Among the major reforms discussed were:
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Increase in minimum wage from USD 400 to at least USD 500
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Mandatory โKnow Your Employerโ protocols
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Digital welfare monitoring system
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Annual medical check-ups for domestic workers
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Stricter ethical recruitment standards under a whitelisting policy
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Stronger support services for OFWs
Qatarโs Commitment
Minister Al Marri affirmed Qatarโs readiness to work closely with the Philippines in upholding the dignity and rights of Filipino domestic workers. He also noted that certain agenda items will be further discussed at the Technical Committee level for more detailed coordination.
Expanded Cooperation
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Kholoud Saif Al-Kubaisi of Qatarโs Workersโ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) pledged collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in areas such as insurance claims, entitlements, awareness campaigns, reintegration projects, entrepreneurship training, and the development of emergency assistance mechanisms for OFWs.
Philippine Delegation
Accompanying Secretary Cacdac in the ministerial visit were:
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Ambassador Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar
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Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr.
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Vice Consul General Jeffrey Batac
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Assistant Secretary Julyn S. Ambito-Fermin
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Director Maria Bernadine H. Madamba
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Labor Attachรฉ Eduard C. Ferrer (MWO-Qatar)
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OIC Chief Cleobelle M. Romero (International Cooperation and Labor Market Monitoring Division)
This ministerial meeting marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and Qatar, reaffirming the shared goal of safeguarding OFWsโ rights and enhancing opportunities for Filipino workers abroad.
