The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 03, Series of 2025, which outlines the operational guidelines for the gradual implementation of the US$500 minimum monthly salary for Filipino domestic workers employed overseas.
This initiative forms part of the government’s Enhanced Reform Program, aimed at restoring the real value of wages for Filipino domestic workers — the last official adjustment to their pay scale having been made nearly two decades ago, in 2006.
A Six-Month Transition Period
Under the circular, employers of new hires and returning domestic workers (rehires) are given a six-month transition period to voluntarily adopt the new $500 minimum wage.
After this grace period, the DMW will conduct a compliance audit to determine which employers and agencies have aligned with the wage adjustment. Depending on the audit results, the department may mandate full implementation across all accredited partners.
Incentives for Compliant Employers and Agencies
To promote ethical recruitment and fair labor practices, the DMW will reward compliant employers and partner Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs) with several benefits.
- For Foreign Employers:
- Priority Processing (Greenlane):
- 5–7 working days for new applications
- 1 day for re-accreditation
Access to Skilled Labor Pool:
A curated database of qualified Filipino workers to ensure efficient skills matching and deployment.
One-on-One Consultations:
Direct advisory sessions with DMW officials on employment standards and recruitment processes.
For Philippine Recruitment Agencies:
Agencies with at least 10 deployed workers earning $500/month will receive:
Expedited license renewals and branch approvals
Access to a dedicated digital portal for faster processing of staff and personnel updates
Guidance for Filipino Workers
The DMW is urging domestic workers to register through official online platforms, such as E-Registration, Kumusta Kabayan, and e-GovPH, to enable post-deployment monitoring, government assistance, and social protection services.
Returning workers (Balik-Manggagawa) are likewise encouraged to update their OWWA memberships and social service enrollments to maintain continuous coverage and benefits.
DMW Secretary’s Statement
“This is a landmark reform that honors the skills, sacrifices, and dignity of our domestic workers,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
He added that the department appreciates the efforts of employers and recruitment agencies that uphold ethical and transparent recruitment practices, urging others to align with the new guidelines to build a just, competitive, and rights-based deployment system for Filipino workers abroad.
Towards a Fair and Ethical Global Labor System
The DMW’s new circular marks a significant stride in protecting the welfare of Filipino domestic workers worldwide. By pairing incentives with accountability, the program encourages the global labor market to recognize not just the labor, but also the dignity and professionalism of every Filipino worker.
