The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has introduced revised guidelines for job orders targeting residential support workers and cleaners in Saudi Arabia. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, seeks to improve the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by introducing better safeguards and competitive benefits.
DMW Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services Felicitas Bay highlighted the distinction between residential support workers and household domestic workers. “These workers will primarily focus on maintaining cleanliness in residential areas and will not be responsible for childcare or household management,” she clarified, adding that these roles will require skilled visas.
Under the new system, workers will be employed by mega recruitment companies (MRCs) rather than private households. This arrangement ensures standardized wages, benefits, and working conditions. Residential support workers will receive a monthly salary of 1,500 Saudi Riyals (about PHP23,000), a 500 Riyal (PHP7,500) food allowance, health insurance, and free emergency medical and dental services.
Other key provisions include overtime pay for work exceeding eight hours, regular salary reviews, and the guarantee that workers will retain control of personal documents, such as passports and residency permits (iqama). Additionally, the new guidelines prohibit workers from paying placement or recruitment fees.
The DMW has mandated MRCs to provide proper accommodations, transportation, and welfare desk officers to monitor worker conditions and address concerns. DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan expressed optimism about the changes, expecting a decline in labor disputes with this centralized employer model.
“This system simplifies employer-employee relationships and ensures better accountability. We anticipate fewer problems compared to the past,” Caunan stated.
