THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday, August 12, 2022, expressed hopes that existing Filipino domestic workers and caretakers in Taiwan will also be covered by the approved wage increase.

In a press briefing, DMW Secretary Susan Ople said she is hopeful that the wage increase approved by the Taiwan Ministry of Labor will not be limited to new hires and rehires.

“I hope that foreign household workers and caretakers with existing contracts can also be granted a wage increase given their excellent and reliable service,” Ople said.

The call comes after the Taiwan Ministry of Labor announced an increase in wages for foreign workers, specifically caretakers and domestic workers, from NT$17,000 to NT$20,000.

The pay hike represents an increase in peso currency from the current P30,260 monthly wage to P37,000.

The wage increase, however, only covers new-hires, transferred workers and re-hired workers.

DMW data shows that there are currently 147,940 OFWs based in Taiwan.

Of the total, DMW noted that 25,867 are domestic workers and caretakers. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)