OFW Guide: Reminders for domestic workers going abroad

Filipinos leaving for abroad to work as domestic workers should be aware of their rights to a minimum salary of $400 a month, regular days off, and decent treatment from employers.

These were among the reminders from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), which said these rights are included in their standard employment contracts.

In a post on his Twitter account, POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac said OFWs are entitled to:

• a minimum monthly salary of $400
• eight hours' rest per day
• one day off a week
• free transportation from the Philippines to the host country and back
• free accommodations and food
• free medical and dental services
• vacation leave with pay of up to 15 days a year
• Personal life accident, medical and repatriation insurance from a reputable insurance company
• Remittance of money to the Philippines, and assistance from the employer in setting up a bank account for this
• just and humane treatment from the employer

Cacdac also reminded the OFWs to keep and take care of their passports and work/residence permits.

He also reminded them of the minimum age requirment of 23.

Cacdac reiterated employment contracts of household service workers must be approved by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, for their protection.

On the other hand, he stressed there should be no placement fees to work abroad.

Cacdac added the household service workers will need the Technical Education Skills Development Authority NC2 Certificate and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Language and Culture Orientation are needed for first-time recruits. — KBK, GMA News