The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced a salary increase for OFW domestic workers in Qatar, raising the minimum monthly wage from USD 400 to USD 500 (about QAR 1,825).
This 25% hike will apply only to new contracts processed 60 days after the policy takes effect. Existing contracts will continue under their original terms, but the reforms rolled out alongside the wage increase aim to strengthen protections for all household workers abroad, as reported by the Philippines News Agency.
A Higher Minimum, Not a Ceiling
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained during a briefing in Makati City that the USD 500 is a wage floor, not a cap. Employers may offer higher pay depending on the worker’s experience, skills, and host country conditions.
“This recognizes the value of domestic work as equal to other labor, deserving fair compensation,” Cacdac said. He added that Philippine migrant workers’ offices will coordinate with governments and employers abroad, including Qatar, to discuss implementation.
7 Key Reforms for Domestic Workers
Alongside the wage hike, DMW unveiled a comprehensive reform package to improve safety and welfare for Filipino household workers. These include:
- Annual Medical Check-Ups – Initially voluntary, later mandatory, funded by the DMW Aksyon Fund.
- Mandatory “Know Your Employer” Video Call – To allow transparency before contract signing.
- “Kamusta Kabayan” Monitoring – Proactive welfare check-ins through email or phone by DMW case officers.
- Better Housing Standards – Stricter rules for recruitment agency accommodations.
- Whitelisting of Agencies – Only agencies with ethical and compliant track records can deploy workers.
- Career Reskilling Opportunities – TESDA programs to help workers transition to caregiving, hospitality, or other fields.
- Access to Legal and Welfare Aid – Expanded through the DMW Aksyon Fund for immediate support.
Upcoming Separation of Job Categories
Another important reform is the planned separation of “domestic worker” and “caregiver” job classifications.
Cacdac noted that many domestic helpers are tasked with caregiving duties without proper recognition or pay. Once in effect, caregivers will have a separate wage standard to reflect their higher skill level and responsibility.
For OFWs in Qatar
Qatar is among the Philippines’ “big four” deployment destinations for domestic workers, alongside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait.
With this announcement, OFWs bound for Qatar should expect their new contracts to reflect the USD 500 minimum wage and benefit from added protection measures.
Final Thoughts
The salary increase for OFW domestic workers in Qatar signals a stronger push for fair pay and better treatment of household service workers abroad. While current contracts remain unchanged, the upcoming reforms — from proactive welfare monitoring to stricter agency rules — promise a safer and more dignified work environment for all.
Disclaimer: The USD 500 wage hike applies only to new contracts processed after the policy’s effectivity date. For official guidance, OFWs in Qatar should coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha.