Dubai – The Philippines has stepped back from enforcing a planned $500 minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers in GCC countries, confirming instead that salaries will be determined by supply and demand, Qatar’s Al Rai reported.
The announcement was made by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac after his meeting in Doha on Wednesday with Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri. Cacdac said Manila will review the wage-setting framework to strike a balance between the interests of both workers and employers.
Gulf Pushback
The move follows strong concerns from GCC states over the Philippines’ unilateral decision in August to raise the benchmark salary for overseas domestic staff from $400 to $500. The lack of prior consultation prompted objections from Gulf governments, who remain the primary employers of Filipino household workers.
During the talks, Minister Al Marri emphasized that GCC labor laws already protect workers while safeguarding employer rights. He also called for a standardized employment contract for Filipino workers to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper procedures to curb irregularities.
Manila’s Position
The Philippine government had earlier justified the wage hike as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote the dignity and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Alongside the increase, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) had announced additional reforms such as mandatory annual medical exams, early emergency treatment, and employer-funded care for work-related illnesses or injuries. A 60-day transition period was initially given to agencies and employers to update contracts.
Ongoing Dialogue
Talks between Philippine and GCC officials are continuing, with both sides aiming to protect the rights of OFWs while ensuring that recruitment arrangements remain sustainable and acceptable to all parties.
Source GulfNews
