Overseas Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait will soon benefit from a significant wage hike, as the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced a salary increase for OFW domestic workers in Kuwait, raising the monthly minimum from USD 400 to USD 500 (about KWD 154).
The 25% increase will take effect 60 days after the policy is issued and will apply to all new contracts processed through the DMW. Existing contracts will not be affected, but reforms introduced alongside the wage hike aim to improve protection and welfare for all Filipino household workers, the PNA reported.
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Why the Increase Matters
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stressed that the USD 500 is a floor, not a ceiling. Workers may receive higher pay depending on skills, experience, and host country policies.
“The new wage floor reflects recognition that domestic work is work of equal value deserving of fair compensation,” Cacdac said.
Comprehensive Protection Package
In addition to the wage hike, the DMW announced seven major reforms that will directly benefit OFWs in Kuwait:
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Minimum Monthly Salary of USD 500 – Built into all new DMW contracts.
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Annual Medical Check-Ups – To start voluntarily, later mandatory, covered by the DMW Aksyon Fund.
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Mandatory “Know Your Employer” Video Call – Workers will meet their employer virtually before signing contracts.
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“Kamusta Kabayan” Digital Monitoring – DMW welfare officers will proactively check in via phone or email, starting in pilot countries.
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Better Housing Standards – Recruitment agencies must provide decent and safe accommodations while workers await deployment.
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Whitelisting of Recruitment Agencies – Only agencies with a proven track record of compliance will be allowed to deploy workers.
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Legal, Financial, and Welfare Aid – Continuous support through the DMW Aksyon Fund.
Separate Job Categories for Domestic Workers and Caregivers
A long-standing issue in the Gulf is domestic workers being asked to perform caregiving tasks without proper recognition or pay. The DMW plans to separate the job classifications of “domestic worker” and “caregiver”, each with distinct salary standards. This reform aims to prevent exploitation and give proper value to caregiving work.
What This Means for OFWs in Kuwait
Kuwait is part of the “big four” markets — alongside Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar — where most Filipino domestic workers are deployed.
If you are applying for new work in Kuwait, make sure your contract reflects the updated USD 500 (KWD 154) monthly minimum salary. Those with ongoing contracts will not see changes in pay but will still benefit from welfare monitoring, medical support, and agency reforms.
Moving Forward
This salary increase for OFW domestic workers in Kuwait is part of a broader effort to safeguard Filipino workers abroad. It not only raises pay but also ensures that workers are healthier, more secure, and more respected in their roles.
Disclaimer: The wage increase applies only to newly processed contracts after the policy takes effect. For official guidance, OFWs in Kuwait should coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuwait City.