NAPC backs $500 minimum wage for OFWs

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has expressed support for the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) decision to raise the minimum monthly wage of Filipino domestic workers abroad from US$400 to US$500.

Danilo Laserna, the sectoral representative for formal labor and migrant workers, said the increase to $500 was a long-overdue reform.

“Napapanahon na talaga yung pagtaas ng rate dahil yung huling adjustment ng sahod ng Filipino domestic workers ay noong 2006 pa," Laserna said.

"Marami nang pagbabago nangyari, particularly doon sa cost of living hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo,” he added.

(It is about time to increase the rate because the last wage adjustment for Filipino domestic workers was in 2006. A lot has changed, particularly in the cost of living, not only in the Philippines but worldwide.)

Laserna said that the policy affirmed the government’s commitment to international labor standards. 

“Ito ay nagpapatunay lamang na pagtupad sa commitment ng gobyerno sa international labor standards, particularly sa ILO Convention 189… na yung domestic work is a work, at labor standards shall apply as other workers," Laserna said.

(This proves the government’s compliance with international labor standards, particularly ILO Convention 189, which recognizes domestic work as legitimate work with labor standards equal to those of other workers.)

Worker protection

Beyond the wage increase, Laserna highlighted that the DMW advisory includes safeguards such as stricter contract review, mandatory “Know Your Employer” video conferences, and a proactive “Kumusta Kabayan” monitoring system to check on workers’ welfare after deployment.

“Kasama rin doon sa package ng advisory ay yung Kumusta Kabayan na sistema… alamin yung kanyang kalagayan now and then. Hindi lang yung tinapon na lang siya doon sa kanyang employer, pababayaan na lang,” he explained.

(The advisory includes the Kumusta Kabayan system to check on the worker’s condition from time to time. They cannot just be left with their employer without follow-up on their situation.)

He said that free legal assistance must also be provided to domestic workers whose contracts are violated or who experience abuse.

Laserna stated that the new wage standard initially applies to newly deployed domestic workers, while existing contracts will remain in effect until their renewal. He added that the reform could strengthen the Philippines’ position in negotiating bilateral labor agreements to improve working conditions and social protection for OFWs.

NAPC is also collaborating with the DMW on reintegration programs that extend beyond upskilling and reskilling, offering livelihood opportunities for OFWs who choose to permanently return home.

“Dapat lalo na yung mga skilled workers ay bigyan natin ang pagkakataon na mag-transfer of technology… makapagturo at magamit natin dito sa domestic purposes,” Laserna said.

(Skilled workers should be given the chance to transfer technology, to teach and help us apply these skills domestically.)

The DMW announced on August 23, 2025 that under Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025, the minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers abroad must be no less than US$500 per month, integrated into all employment contracts.

The policy takes effect 60 days after issuance, covering new hires and those renewing or returning from vacation.

For NAPC, the wage hike and accompanying reforms are a vital step in protecting domestic workers—most of whom are women—from underpayment, exploitation, and abuse.

“Domestic workers are vulnerable workers… target for exploitation and abuse,” Laserna stressed, adding that stronger enforcement mechanisms are crucial to ensure that the new wage floor is respected worldwide. –NB, GMA Integrated News