MUSCAT : The Philippines has announced a pay rise for its overseas domestic workers, raising the monthly minimum salary from $400 to $500 (around RO 200). The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the reform on Friday, noting it reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the dignity and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The increase will apply to newly hired domestic staff as well as returning workers on re-employment. A 60-day transition period has been set to give recruitment agencies, employers and host governments time to update contracts.

“This increase will be integrated into employment agreements and negotiated with host countries,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. He acknowledged that wage terms may still vary across jurisdictions, but stressed that $500 is now the official baseline.

The pay adjustment is part of a wider eight-point reform package designed to strengthen worker protection. Other measures include free annual medical check-ups, a mandatory “Know Your Employer” video call before contracts are signed, digital welfare monitoring through the Kumusta Kabayan? platform, tighter oversight of recruitment agencies, and skills training to expand career mobility.

Domestic workers account for an estimated 20–30 per cent of the Philippines’ overseas labor force and are among the most vulnerable categories of migrant employees. Labour advocates welcomed the government’s initiative but urged strict enforcement to ensure the benefits reach workers on the ground.

Cacdac added that the government is studying differentiated wage scales for workers who undergo advanced training, particularly in caregiving and other specialized roles.

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