$400 Still Standard for Filipino Domestic Workers, Bahrain Association Confirms

The Bahrain Recruitment Offices Association has emphasized that the increase in wages for domestic workers from the Philippines—from $400 to $500—is entirely voluntary and is at the discretion of the employer. In an official statement, the association noted that some recruitment offices have raised wages without any mandatory directive, stressing that the right of choice belongs to the citizen, who bears the financial responsibility. No office is permitted to unilaterally impose a wage increase that the employer has not approved.

The association criticized offices that have generally adopted the $500 wage as mandatory, describing it as a violation of the official circular and an infringement on the employer’s right to choose. It also highlighted that the official stance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as expressed in ministerial meetings, rejects converting this increase into a universal obligation. Any individual action contrary to this unified approach is considered unacceptable and could create confusion about the state’s official position internationally.

The association reiterated that the standard wage remains $400, and any increase to $500 is a personal decision agreed upon by both the employer and the worker. Any office attempting to enforce the $500 wage as mandatory will face legal accountability.

Regarding the issue of runaway domestic workers, the association stated that responsibility does not lie solely with one party. According to the law, violations occur both on the part of workers who leave their sponsors without justification and on those who shelter or employ them in breach of labor regulations.

The association clarified that employing a domestic worker under a name other than the legal employer is a punishable offense, with fines reaching up to BD 1,000. Anyone found sheltering or employing runaway workers is considered a direct partner in the violation and liable for any resulting harm to law-abiding citizens who follow legal procedures and bear recruitment costs.

The association urged authorities to strictly enforce legal provisions against offices and individuals violating these rules, emphasizing that fair and equal application of the law is the only way to end the phenomenon of runaway domestic workers, protect citizens’ rights, and uphold the integrity of official decisions.