Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan are set to receive higher pay as the country’s Ministry of Labor announced a new minimum wage effective January 1, 2026. The increase raises monthly wages to NT$29,500 (US$967) and hourly wages to NT$196, a boost welcomed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac called the adjustment a victory for Filipino workers. “Lubos tayong nagpapasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Taiwan at sa mga labor organizations sa kanilang pagsisikap para maipatupad ang wage hike na ito. Isang tagumpay para sa lahat ng mga manggagawa sa Taiwan, lalo na para sa ating mga OFW ang balita na ito. Titiyakin din ng DMW na ganap na mapapakinabangan ito ng ating mga OFW,” he said.
The wage hike, once confirmed by Taiwan’s Executive Yuan, will directly benefit thousands of Filipinos employed in factories, electronics, caregiving, and other industries. According to the DMW, the adjustment will help workers cope with the rising cost of living and allow them to better support their families back home.
Officials noted that this marks the 10th consecutive year that Taiwan has raised its minimum wage, highlighting the government’s effort to strengthen worker protection and welfare. The DMW said the policy aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that OFWs receive fair pay and improved labor safeguards in their host countries.
The announcement follows an earlier wage adjustment in Hong Kong, where the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers—majority of whom are Filipinos—was raised by 2.2 percent to HK$5,100 (US$655) effective September 30, 2025.
