KUWAIT CITY, Sep 13: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed serious concern regarding recent requirements announced by the Philippine government concerning the export of its domestic workers. These measures, implemented without prior consultation or coordination with the GCC states, have raised significant apprehension among the major recruiting regions for Filipino labor.

The most notable of these measures is the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) decision to raise the minimum monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers from $400 to $500 (approximately 150 Kuwaiti dinars). Given that the GCC countries represent the largest regions employing Filipino domestic workers, this sudden announcement has prompted discussions at the diplomatic and administrative levels.

During meetings between GCC officials and their counterparts from the Philippines, the Gulf representatives voiced their dismay at the lack of prior coordination, highlighting that established communication channels and previously suspended bilateral agreements were in place to regulate worker recruitment. They emphasized that any mechanism for setting minimum wages must strike a balance between the interests of both the sending country and the recipient countries.

Officials further stressed the importance of adopting a unified employment contract for Filipino workers, which would serve as a comprehensive framework to protect workers’ rights, ensure transparency and fairness, and guard against any irregular practices. They also highlighted the need to develop clear frameworks and procedures that guarantee the smooth recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers while complying with applicable laws and safeguarding the rights of both workers and employers.

The GCC states reaffirmed that labor laws across the Gulf provide strong protections for all workers, emphasizing that each member state has enacted legislation designed to preserve workers’ dignity and ensure a balanced approach to their rights. Moreover, they noted that dispute resolution between Filipino workers and their employers falls under the jurisdiction of the respective Gulf labor ministries and regulatory bodies, ensuring legal oversight and enforcement.

In response, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched enhanced reform programs aimed at strengthening the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino domestic workers (OFWs). Key initiatives include:

The GCC and Philippine authorities continue to engage in dialogue to ensure that the rights of Filipino workers are safeguarded while maintaining a mutually beneficial framework for recruitment, employment, and dispute resolution.