DMW TO ISSUE STRICTER GUIDELINES ON HSW ACCOMMODATION

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to provide stricter guidelines on the housing facilities provided by licensed Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs) deploying household service workers (HSWs).

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced during a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing on Monday, March 24, 2025, that the department is considering adopting Singapore’s housing standards for migrant workers to address the poor living conditions of applicant-workers, many of whom are crammed into substandard facilities while awaiting deployment.

“We are due to issue firmer accommodation guidelines, at isa po sa tinitignan namin ay ‘yung Singaporean housing standard for migrant workers,” Cacdac said during the said Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing.

The Singaporean standard allows up to 12 residents per room, with a minimum one-meter spacing between beds and at least 3.6 square meters of living space per person. It also mandates at least one shower and one basin for every six residents.

During the hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo also proposed additional requirements, including individual lockers for safe storage of personal belongings, first aid kits, and trained personnel to administer emergency care. He also recommended providing internet access, basic toiletries, and a prayer room for applicant-workers.

“Gusto ko magkaroon ng locker bawat isang resident. Emergency first aid kit dapat mayroon. Yung nagbabantay dapat mayroon din alam sa first aid,” Tulfo emphasized.

Cacdac acknowledged these recommendations and assured that applicant-workers will receive training, including basic first aid, while awaiting deployment. Internet access will also be required to allow workers to report their living conditions firsthand.

Additionally, the DMW will coordinate with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to address situations where workers are prohibited from leaving their accommodation, which may be considered human trafficking.

“Kakausapin namin ang IACAT. Dahil kapag ang sitwasyon ay hindi pwedeng makalabas [ang OFW], that is presumed act of human trafficking. Ibig sabihin, hindi sila kumbinsido na dapat silang nanduduon kaya hindi sila pinapalabas,” Cacdac said.

Tulfo also directed the DMW to conduct thorough inspections of worker accommodations to ensure compliance with safety and welfare standards. The DMW is set to launch a nationwide inspection of PRA-provided housing facilities for applicant-workers.

“We are conducting a nationwide survey, lalo na sa domestic worker recruitment kung meron sila, kasi the mere fact na may accommodation sila na ‘di nakarehistro, penalty, offense kaaagad ‘yun,” Cacdac stated.

Out of 33 listed accommodation facilities, the DMW has already delisted 27 for failing to meet required standards.