The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has officially increased the minimum salary for newly hired Filipino domestic workers from USD 400 to USD 500 — approximately SAR 1,875.
This 25% increase will apply to all new contracts processed 60 days after the policy’s issuance.
It does not cover those already working under existing contracts, but DMW says the broader reforms will still benefit all domestic workers abroad, as shared in this PNA report.
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What This Means for OFWs in Saudi Arabia
The new minimum salary will be integrated into all DMW-approved contracts moving forward.
According to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, this move aims to guarantee fair pay and uplift the value of domestic work.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the top four destinations for OFWs in this sector, alongside the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
This policy reinforces the Philippines’ call for just treatment and stronger labor standards for household service workers.
7 Key Reforms Alongside the Salary Increase
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Free Annual Medical Check-Ups – To be funded by the DMW Aksyon Fund, starting voluntary, then mandatory.
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Mandatory “Know Your Employer” Video Calls – Workers must speak with their employer before signing contracts.
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“Kamusta Kabayan” Welfare Monitoring – DMW officers will check in on OFWs regularly via email or phone.
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Better Housing Rules – Stricter standards for recruitment agency accommodations during pre-deployment.
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Whitelisting of Recruitment Agencies – Only agencies with clean records can process deployments.
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Access to Legal and Welfare Aid – Through the expanded DMW AKSYON Fund.
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Career Reskilling Programs – Workers can train for caregiving, hospitality, or other fields via TESDA.
Separate Category for Caregivers Coming Soon
DMW also plans to separate “domestic worker” and “caregiver” job categories.
This will address concerns of household workers being assigned caregiving tasks without proper pay or recognition.
Each category will eventually have its own minimum wage.
Watch: Minimum na sahod ng mga domestic worker, itinaas sa 500 dollars kada buwan | ulat ni Noel Talacay
The Department of Migrant Workers raised the minimum monthly salary of Filipino domestic workers from $400 to $500 to match global living costs.
This wage adjustment forms part of a broader reform package that also offers free annual health checkups and career advancement through reskilling and upskilling programs.
To support OFWs better, the agency launched the “Kumusta Kabayan” system, where workers receive regular welfare check-ins via email.
Before deployment, domestic workers must now meet their employers through a video call to understand job conditions and living arrangements.
With over 100,000 Filipinos deployed in domestic roles yearly, this reform strengthens protection and opens new paths for growth.
Final Thoughts
This is a welcome development for many Filipinos in Saudi Arabia looking for fairer contracts and safer conditions.
While those with current contracts won’t see an immediate pay change, the monitoring system, support services, and future wage standards offer stronger protection and dignity for all.
Disclaimer: Wage increase applies to new contracts only. OFWs are encouraged to verify updates with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar.