The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to implement a long-awaited wage hike for Filipino household service workers, but the rollout will initially rely on incentives for employers and recruitment agencies that comply.
Under Labor Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025, domestic workers’ minimum monthly pay will be raised from USD 400 to at least USD 500—the first adjustment since 2006. To encourage early adoption, compliant employers and agencies will receive “greenlanes” or faster processing privileges, along with other benefits from the department.
The DMW emphasized that the wage increase is designed to ease the financial burdens faced by overseas workers and their families, especially in meeting day-to-day needs and education costs for children. Specific guidelines on how the new system will be carried out are expected within 60 days, following consultations with key stakeholders.
Alongside the wage hike, the reform program also introduces broader safeguards: stricter recruitment standards, mandatory “Know Your Employer” protocols via video interviews, a digital welfare monitoring system, voluntary annual medical check-ups, and a whitelisting policy to keep recruitment agencies in check. Worker protections such as non-confiscation of passports, guaranteed rest days, and leave entitlements will also be reinforced.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and senior officials are currently visiting host countries to ensure bilateral cooperation and highlight the Philippines’ stronger push for the welfare of Filipino domestic workers, many of whom remain among the most vulnerable in the global labor market.
