Recruitment agencies in Bahrain have voiced strong opposition to the Philippine government’s recent decision to raise the minimum monthly salary of Filipino domestic workers from $400 to $500, warning that the move could drive households in the kingdom to look for helpers from other countries.
According to a GD Online article, the criticism comes after the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Manila announced a sweeping reform package last month aimed at strengthening the welfare of overseas Filipino household staff. At the heart of these reforms is the wage hike, the first significant adjustment in nearly two decades.
Bahraini recruiters argue that the salary increase will put added financial pressure on families who already rely heavily on household help. They cautioned that many employers might shift to hiring workers from other labor-sending nations where costs remain lower.
The agencies have also appealed for direct consultations between the Philippine and Bahraini governments, stressing that the new policy should take into account the realities faced by employers and the recruitment industry in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, the DMW has emphasized that the $500 salary floor is just one part of a broader reform agenda. The package also introduces stricter recruitment standards, a digital welfare monitoring system, free medical check-ups, and pre-deployment orientation measures like “Know Your Employer” sessions—all designed to provide better protection and support for Filipino workers abroad.
