Rise in Minimum Wage for Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers by Government
In a significant move, the government of Kuwait has announced a new wage policy for overseas domestic workers. The policy, which comes into effect soon, will result in an approximate increase of 20 dinars for domestic workers, bringing their minimum monthly wage to a new high.
The increase is attributed to global inflation, rising living costs, and the growing demand for Filipino labor worldwide. Domestic workers specialist Bassam Al-Shammari, who provided an explanation for the increase, highlighted these factors as the primary reasons.
In addition to the wage increase, the new policy also includes several mandates for the employers of overseas domestic workers. These mandates ensure that the workers are provided safe, habitable housing with proper ventilation, sanitation, and lighting. Another new mandate requires overseas domestic workers to undergo annual medical checkups.
The Government of the Philippines has also taken notice of these developments. In response, they have increased the minimum monthly wage for their overseas domestic workers to $500.
The overall financial impact on employers in Kuwait due to the new wage policy is considered limited. The authorities responsible for annual medical examinations for foreign domestic helpers are typically linked to the Medical Service (Medizinischer Dienst), which supports health and care insurance providers in medical and care-related assessments in Germany.
Employers in Kuwait are now expected to comply with these new mandates, ensuring fair treatment and better working conditions for overseas domestic workers. This move is expected to further boost the reputation of Kuwait as a country that values and respects its foreign workers.
