DMW proposes voluntary wage hike for domestic helpers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is proposing a voluntary, incentive-based approach for the implementation of the new minimum wage for domestic helpers, aiming to encourage employers rather than penalize them.

This voluntary track is the DMW's "positive approach" to address employers in countries opposing the mandated increase of Filipino domestic workers' minimum wage from USD 400 to USD 500.

While the DMW acknowledged receiving concerns from some countries regarding the wage hike, they declined to name the specific nations involved.

Employers who choose to voluntarily implement the USD 500 minimum wage may receive benefits such as faster processing and other incentives.

The DMW plans to release further guidelines for this incentive program in the second or third week of October.

Secretary Hans Cacdac also stated that pay adjustments for domestic helpers are not solely determined by the minimum wage, as the relationship between employer and worker also plays a role.