The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Qatar’s Ministry of Labour (MOL) have announced a major agreement to adopt a Unified Standard Employment Contract (SEC). This new contract, a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), specifically targets domestic workers and introduces several key provisions designed to ensure fair and humane working conditions.
The agreement was reached during a high-level technical meeting in Doha, led by DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. and senior officials from Qatar’s Ministry of Labour. The unified contract is the result of constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral labor relations.
Key Protections and Benefits
The new Unified Standard Employment Contract introduces several critical protections for Filipino domestic workers in Qatar:
Shorter Probationary Period: The probationary period for domestic workers has been cut from six (6) months to just three (3) months, with no option for extension.
Employer-Paid Return Travel: Employers are now required to cover the cost of the worker’s return flight to the Philippines after they complete two years of service.
Direct Access to Justice: Workers can file complaints directly with Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, in addition to seeking assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Doha.
Guaranteed Rest and Leave: The contract guarantees a weekly rest day and an annual leave entitlement, ensuring workers have time for rest and recovery.
Zero Salary Deductions: It strictly prohibits any deductions from a worker’s salary, ensuring they receive their full pay.
This unified contract represents a significant advancement in promoting a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations. The Qatari Ministry of Labour has committed to formally disseminating the signed agreement to ensure its proper implementation across all relevant offices.
Both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation, to develop additional agreements to further enhance the protection of OFWs.
Undersecretary Rasul was joined by a delegation including Consul General Cassandra KC Sawadjaan, Assistant Secretary Julyn S.Ambito Fermin, Legal Officer Princess Melody Bagui, Director Maria Bernadine H. Madamba, Labor Attaché Eduard C. Ferrer, and Chief Cleobelle M. Romero.
