Saudi Arabia and the Philippines are discussing new ways to improve job opportunities, skills training, and employment protection for Filipino domestic workers in the Kingdom.
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi met Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac in Riyadh on September 16, 2026.
The meeting focused on Filipino domestic workers, including the automation of employment contracts and skills development programs.
Domestic workers may get opportunities to upskill
Cacdac said the two countries are discussing ways for Filipino domestic workers to gain new skills and possibly move into more specialized work.
One area being explored is caregiving, which could allow qualified workers to build on their experience and take on jobs that require more specialized training.
Cacdac said the goal is not to discourage domestic work, but to give workers more options to improve their job status, productivity, and income.
The discussions are still at an early stage.
No application process, training schedule, eligibility rules, or salary structure has been announced yet.
Employment contracts also part of the talks
Saudi and Philippine officials also discussed further automation of employment contracts for Filipino domestic workers.
Saudi Arabia has been expanding digital domestic-worker services through Musaned, including contract documentation, recruitment services, salary payment channels, and other worker-protection tools.
Under the current Musaned contract documentation service, eligible domestic workers can receive an authentication link by SMS and review their contract electronically. The service records details such as salary and contract duration.
Why this matters for Filipino workers
The talks could eventually create clearer career pathways for Filipino domestic workers who want to gain additional qualifications while working in Saudi Arabia.
They could also support better documentation of employment terms and make it easier for workers and employers to confirm contract details through official digital systems.
However, Filipino workers should not treat the discussions as a new benefit or training program that is already open.
For now, the Saudi and Philippine governments have confirmed that skills development and contract automation are being discussed, but specific programs have yet to be announced.
OFWs should watch for future advisories from Saudi HRSD, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, and the Migrant Workers Offices in Saudi Arabia.