Hiring a Filipino Maid in Qatar: MWO / DMW Rules

If you plan to hire a Filipino maid, nanny, or domestic helper in Qatar, you must comply with both:

• Qatar labor and immigration regulations
• Philippine overseas employment rules administered through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO, formerly POLO)

These rules are designed to protect Filipino domestic workers abroad — and following them protects you as an employer too. For the Qatar-side process, start with our step-by-step guide to hiring a maid in Qatar.

The employment contract must be reviewed and verified by the Philippine Migrant Workers Office (MWO) before deployment or contract processing. The contract typically includes:

• Salary
• Working hours
• Weekly rest day
• Accommodation
• Food provisions
• Medical coverage
• Vacation leave
• Return airfare
• Duties and responsibilities

Qatar law also requires domestic worker contracts to be written and officially certified.

The Philippine government sets minimum salary protections for Filipino domestic workers overseas. Recent advisories indicate:

• Previous minimum: USD 400/month
• Updated advisory: USD 500/month for overseas domestic workers in some jurisdictions/processes
• In Qatar, this translates to roughly QAR 1,800+ monthly, depending on exchange rates

Some contracts may exceed this minimum depending on experience and role.

The employer is generally expected to provide:

• Safe accommodation
• Food or a food allowance
• Medical care / health insurance
• Salary paid on time
• Weekly rest periods
• A return ticket at the end of the contract

These protections are usually incorporated into the verified employment contract.

Filipino domestic workers are generally recruited through licensed recruitment agencies, Qatar Visa Center (QVC) procedures, and approved labor-processing channels. Qatar and the Philippines implemented the QVC system to process:

• Medical examinations
• Biometrics
• Contract verification
• Pre-departure requirements before workers leave the Philippines

Before leaving the Philippines, Filipino workers usually need:

• A verified contract
• A work visa
• Employer/sponsor documents
• OEC issuance
• Pre-departure orientation

The OEC serves as proof that the overseas employment complies with Philippine regulations.

Philippine labor rules prohibit illegal recruitment practices and abusive fee collection from workers. Employers should avoid:

• Asking workers to reimburse recruitment costs improperly
• Holding passports unlawfully
• Imposing undocumented deductions

Qatar uses the Wage Protection System (WPS), which tracks salary payments electronically. Employers are expected to:

• Pay salaries on time
• Maintain proof of payment
• Follow the agreed contract terms

Under Qatar's domestic worker laws, workers are entitled to protections including:

• Employment contracts
• Rest periods
• Paid leave
• End-of-service rights
• Access to complaint procedures

Additional contract verification or MWO processing may be required if:

• The worker changes employer
• The contract changes significantly
• The worker exits and re-enters Qatar

On the Qatar side, an employer change also requires a No Objection Certificate from the current sponsor — see our guide on filing an NOC for your maid in Qatar.

Many Filipino workers prefer employers who:

• Offer clear contracts
• Provide privacy and respectful treatment
• Give a weekly day off
• Allow communication with family
• Pay salaries consistently and transparently

Common documents employers may be asked for:

• Qatar ID (QID)
• Salary certificate
• Passport copy
• Marriage certificate (sometimes)
• Housing details
• Employment agreement
• Visa and sponsorship documents

For the latest rules and updates, check:

• Philippine Embassy in Doha
• MWO Qatar (formerly POLO)
• Qatar Ministry of Labour (hotline 16008)