Enhanced compensation for Filipino workers in Kuwait as new agreements set minimum wages at KD 150
In recent developments, the Philippine government has announced changes in its policies regarding the wages and contracts of Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait. These changes have sparked discussions and adjustments in the recruitment sector.
Bassam Al-Shammari, a specialist in domestic worker affairs, has provided clarifications on the current developments. According to Al-Shammari, the Philippine government's decision to raise the minimum monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers from $400 to $500 (approximately KD 150) was made without prior consultation with host countries. This decision, however, does not apply to workers who signed contracts before a certain date, as they cannot demand salary increases until their contracts expire.
Local recruitment offices in Kuwait have begun adjusting contracts with Filipino domestic workers, increasing salaries to KD 150, with the agreement of both the employer and the worker. This adjustment has led to a positive trend in recruitment, with Al-Shammari reporting a 60 percent increase in recruitment requests from Filipino workers for opportunities in Kuwait.
The Philippine requirements do not set a maximum salary limit, but wages depend on the nature of assigned tasks. In specialized cases such as child, elderly, or disability care, salaries may exceed KD 200. This flexibility in wage determination is reflected in the contracts, which are now being regulated by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior.
Despite political uncertainty in Nepal, another key source of domestic labor, Al-Shammari reassured that the Kuwaiti market will remain stable. He also dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the cancellation of workers' rights, calling them false and harmful to Kuwait's reputation and the recruitment sector.
It's important to note that no official directive has been issued by the Public Authority for Manpower or other concerned bodies regarding these new Philippine procedures. However, the Domestic Labor Department in Kuwait works actively to resolve disputes and protect workers' material and moral rights, offering multiple channels for filing complaints.
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have expressed concerns over the new conditions announced by the Philippine government. Despite these concerns, the positive trend in recruitment could potentially lead to Manila lifting its suspension on sending new workers to Kuwait, currently limited to those with prior Gulf experience.
Al Jarida newspaper reported these clarifications made by Bassam Al-Shammari on the developments in recruitment practices. Kuwait's labor laws already guarantee wide protections for domestic workers, including a unified contract issued by the Manpower Authority that covers healthcare, examinations, weekly rest days, annual leave, and end-of-service benefits.
In conclusion, the changes in recruitment practices for Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait are a significant development in the region. While there are concerns and adjustments to be made, the overall aim is to ensure fair wages and protections for all workers involved.
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