Philippines to raise wages to $500 for its domestic workers across Gulf states starting Oct 22
The Philippine government has announced that the minimum monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers will be raised from $400 (about 150 Kuwaiti dinars) to $500 across all countries employing its workers, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The decision, confirmed in a circular issued by the Philippine Ministry of Migrant Workers, will take effect on October 22, 2025, and applies to both new hires and returning workers.
The circular cited multiple reasons for the wage increase, emphasizing that domestic workers, despite being essential to the labor market, have historically been undervalued, reports Al-Jarida daily.
The last official salary adjustment was in 2006, and over the past two decades, inflation and rising living costs have halved the real value of their wages.
The circular highlighted that domestic workers perform labor comparable to caregiving, teaching, and household management, yet their compensation has lagged behind economic realities and international labor standards. It also referenced International Labor Convention No. 189, which guarantees decent working conditions, social protection, and appropriate rest periods.
Bassam Al-Shammari, a specialist in domestic workers’ affairs, noted that any changes to the unified recruitment contracts require the agreement of both employers and workers.
He clarified that while Kuwait’s Law No. 68/2015 sets a minimum wage of 75 dinars per month, salaries can vary depending on duties, with some specialized care contracts exceeding 200 dinars per month.
Al-Shammari highlighted that the announced wage increase has boosted interest among Filipino workers to work in Kuwait and has positively impacted recruitment requests.
The Manila government has also lifted restrictions on sending new workers to Kuwait and the Gulf for the first time, expanding beyond previously experienced employees.
The new circular provides employers a six-month transition period to adjust salaries for both new and returning workers.
During this period, employers may voluntarily increase wages, and after six months, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers will review compliance and may extend the transition or enforce full adherence to the $500 minimum wage.
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