The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has adopted major reforms, including higher minimum monthly wages and annual medical checkups, to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of Filipino domestic workers deployed abroad.
In a Facebook post on Friday, August 22, under Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025, the DMW announced the formal adoption of the Enhanced Reform Programs for Filipino Domestic Workers, in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s policy directives to uplift the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The reforms mandate a wage increase for domestic workers from USD 400 (P22,000) to at least USD 500 (P28,000) per month, which will be integrated into all employment contracts processed by the department.
The DMW said this recognizes the equal value of domestic work and ensures just and fair compensation.
In addition, annual medical check-ups and hospitalization coverage will be provided to ascertain the fitness and health of OFW domestic workers, with costs for work-related accidents and illnesses to be shouldered by recruitment agencies and employers.
Other measures under the reform package include:
- Implementation of Mandatory “Know Your Employer” (KYE) Protocol to Ensure Transparency and Informed Consent between the domestic workers and employers through mandatory video conferencing before their contract finalization
- Implementation of the “Kumusta Kabayan?” Digital Welfare Monitoring System for direct welfare check on the conditions of OFWs
- Reskilling, Upskilling, and Career Mobility Program for continuous enhancement of the workers employability and opportunities
- Stricter Standards for Recruitment Agency Accommodation Facilities
- Whitelisting Policy for Recruitment Agencies for proven compliance and ethical practices of deployment of workers; and
- Continuous rights-based approach through Legal and Other Forms of Assistance Under the DMW AKSYON Fund
“These reforms reinforce the Philippine government’s commitment to decent work, ethical recruitment, and strengthened welfare mechanisms for Filipino domestic workers deployed abroad,” the advisory stated.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that the new minimum wage floor for Filipino domestic workers will be integrated into all employment contracts processed by the agency.
Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) have also been directed to engage host governments and foreign recruitment agencies to ensure discussions and implementation of the new wage standard.
“We will allow ourselves a transition period of 60 days after the issuance of the advisory, which I will sign today. The advisory shall apply to all recruitment agencies and employers here or abroad with newly hired domestic workers under employment contracts entered into, or with vacationing or returning domestic workers under contracts renewed,” Cacdac added.
