Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Dubai Confirms Salary Increase for Filipina Housemaids

The Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Dubai has announced a significant increase in the monthly salary of Filipina housemaids, following a directive from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Manila. Effective December 16, the salary has been revised to $400 (around Dh1,400), doubling the previous rate of $200.

Philippine Labour Attache, Virginia Calvez, confirmed the new payment scheme in an advisory to foreign placement agencies and employers hiring Filipina household workers. The advisory stated that the salary rate for household service workers has been pegged at $400 per month, with job orders approved prior to December 16 processed using the old system.

While individual contracts submitted to POLO can be verified under the old rate until March 30, 2007, new job orders and manpower requests submitted by December 16 will automatically be revised to the new salary. This move comes after the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) in Manila announced a proposal for a salary hike for domestic helpers due to the rising cost of living and risks faced by Filipina housemaids working abroad.

Reports of Filipina helpers seeking assistance for complaints such as physical abuse, non-payment or delayed wages, and contract substitution have highlighted the need for better protection and fair compensation for overseas workers. The increase in salary aims to address these issues and provide a more sustainable income for Filipina housemaids in Dubai.