MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has announced a significant wage increase for Filipino domestic workers employed overseas, particularly across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Effective October 22, 2025, the minimum monthly salary will rise from $400 to $500, marking the first major adjustment in over a decade.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formalized the policy through Memorandum Circular No. 03, series of 2025, directing all Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) worldwide to implement the new wage rate and ensure full compliance among foreign employers and recruitment agencies.
Memorandum Circular No. 03, series of 2025 ( Via DMW )
6-Month Transition Period for Implementation
According to the DMW, the wage hike will be introduced under a six-month transition period to give employers, partner agencies, and host countries time to adjust existing contracts and salary structures.
The memorandum also instructs MWOs to conduct orientations and dialogues with recruitment partners and foreign employers to ensure a smooth transition to the new pay standard.
🔹 Who Are Covered
The new minimum wage applies to all Filipino Household Service Workers (HSWs) deployed through DMW processing, including:
-
Housekeepers and nannies
-
Family drivers
-
Caregivers and domestic assistants
This includes workers deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—the six GCC member states employing the majority of Filipino domestic workers.
🔹 What Happens to Existing Contracts
The DMW clarified that existing and active employment contracts signed before the effectivity date may continue under the previous wage of $400, unless both employer and worker agree to renegotiate and update the contract to reflect the new $500 minimum.
All new contracts processed and verified after October 22 must strictly adhere to the updated wage standard.
🔹 Strengthening Worker Protection and Dignity
Labor officials said the wage increase is part of the Philippines’ broader effort to protect the welfare, dignity, and fair compensation of its migrant workers abroad.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized that the adjustment “reflects the evolving global labor standards and the invaluable contribution of Filipino domestic workers to households and economies abroad.”
The department also pledged enhanced monitoring and enforcement through MWOs to ensure compliance, alongside close coordination with host governments and recruitment partners.
Sources : GulfNews and DMW , AlJarida
