Increased salaries for Filipino workers in Kuwait set at KD 150 under new labor contracts
In recent news, Kuwait's recruitment practices for Filipino domestic workers have undergone changes in response to the Philippine government's decision to raise the minimum monthly wage for its citizens working abroad. Bassam Al-Shammari, a specialist in domestic worker affairs, has clarified these developments.
Al-Shammari reassured that the Kuwaiti market will remain stable despite political uncertainty in Nepal, another key source of domestic labor. He stated that the adjustment of contracts has encouraged a 60 percent increase in recruitment requests from Filipino workers. According to Al-Shammari, local recruitment offices in Kuwait have begun adjusting contracts with Filipino domestic workers by increasing salaries to KD 150, but no formal amendment of contracts has been made according to the new Philippine procedures.
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Kuwait, have expressed concerns over new conditions announced by the Philippine government. However, Al-Shammari 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.
The positive trend in recruitment could pave the way for Manila to lift its suspension on sending new workers to Kuwait, currently limited to those with prior Gulf experience. The Domestic Labor Department in Kuwait works actively to resolve disputes and protect workers' material and moral rights, offering multiple channels for filing complaints.
It is important to note that while Law No. 68/2015 on domestic workers sets only a minimum salary of KD 75 per month in Kuwait, there is no ceiling for wages in the Philippines. Wages in the Philippines, according to Al-Shammari, depend on the nature of assigned tasks. In specialized cases such as child, elderly, or disability care, salaries may exceed KD 200.
The Philippine circular states that workers with valid contracts before the circular cannot demand salary increases until their contracts expire. Recruitment contracts cannot be formally amended according to the new Philippine procedures unless approved through official channels. As of now, no official directive has been issued by the Public Authority for Manpower or other concerned bodies regarding the new Philippine procedures for recruitment contracts.
Al-Jarida newspaper reported on these current news in response to a report titled "Gulf Veto Against Philippine Requirements for Exporting Domestic Workers". Kuwait's labor laws already guarantee wide protections, including the unified contract issued by the Manpower Authority, which covers healthcare, examinations, weekly rest days, annual leave, and end-of-service benefits.
In conclusion, while there are adjustments being made in the recruitment practices, Kuwait remains committed to protecting the rights of its domestic workers and ensuring a stable market for both employers and workers.
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