High demand for household workers seen in Oman

MANILA, Philippines — Higher demand for Filipino household service workers (HSWs) is likely in Oman despite the global health crisis.

Philippine labor attaché to Muscat Gregorio Abalos said more HSWs are expected to be hired in the sultanate with the planned “Omanization” program.

“Under the program, both Omani husband and wife will be able to work so the demand for HSWs will increase,” Abalos said at a virtual press briefing last Friday. “Omanis prefer Filipino domestic helpers.”

Abalos said some Omanis could not afford to pay the $400 minimum salary for Filipino HSWs. Filipinos are the highest paid domestic helpers in Oman.

Abalos said HSWs comprised 70 percent of the total OFWs in Oman.

While the demand for HSWs will increase, Abalos said the program could lead to the displacement of Filipino professionals.

The number of Filipino professionals in Oman has dropped from 40 to 15 percent.

There are around 50,000 OFWs in Oman.

The Philippines recently lifted the restriction in the deployment of OFWs to Oman.