The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued Memorandum Circular No. 03 , Series of 2025, outlining the operational guidelines for the phased implementation of the US$500 minimum monthly salary for Filipino domestic workers deployed overseas.
This wage adjustment is part of the government’s Enhanced Reform Program and aims to restore the real value of domestic workers’ compensation, which was last officially adjusted in 2006.
Under the Memorandum Circular, a six-month transition period is allowed for employers of new hires and re-hires to voluntarily adopt the new wage. After this period, the DMW will conduct a compliance audit and may mandate full implementation based on the findings.
To encourage ethical recruitment practices and fair compensation, the DMW is offering incentives to compliant foreign employers and partner Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs).
Compliant employers will be given priority processing (Greenlane), it is faster accreditation and job order approvals, 5–7 working days for new applications, and 1 day for re-accreditation; they will have access to skilled labor pool, a curated database of qualified workers for easier skills matching and deployment; and would have the privilege for a
One-on-One consultation with DMW officials on employment standards and recruitment processes.
For private recruitment agencies with at least 10 deployed workers earning US$500/month, they will enjoy expedited license renewals and branch approvals; they would have a dedicated digital portal, designed for faster processing of personnel updates and staff roster changes.
Deployed domestic workers are encouraged to register through E-Registration, Kumusta Kabayan, and e-GovPH platforms to access post-deployment monitoring, assistance, and government services. Returnees are also advised to update their OWWA membership and social service enrollments for continued coverage and benefits.
“This is a landmark reform that honors the skills, sacrifices, and dignity of our domestic workers,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. “We commend employers and agencies who lead by example in upholding ethical and transparent recruitment.”
The DMW urges all licensed PRAs and accredited employers to align with the new guidelines and help build a more just, competitive, and rights-based deployment system for Filipino domestic workers. (DMW)
