Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 20)
The minimum age requirement for female overseas household workers is twenty-one (21) years old, except in countries where the age requirement for household workers is higher or in pre-identified countries where the minimum age of eighteen (18) years old is allowed.
The countries allowed to employ female household workers who are at least eighteen (18) years old include Hong Kong, Canada, United States of America, Japan, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden.
The POEA Governing Board allows deployment of household workers only in countries where the rights of Filipino migrant household workers are protected, with a duly approved employment contract.
The receiving country must have existing labor and social laws protecting migrant household workers, be a signatory to relevant multilateral conventions or declarations, have bilateral agreements or arrangements with the Philippine government protecting Filipino household workers, or be taking concrete measures to protect the rights of migrant household workers.
The minimum age rule is set to ensure the protection of female household workers from exploitation and to comply with labor standards and host country requirements.
The POEA Governing Board is responsible for the adoption and enforcement of the minimum age requirement, as per POEA Memorandum Circular No. 20.
The resolution mandates the adoption of pre-qualification requirements for foreign placement agencies and employers, although specific criteria are to be formulated by the POEA for accreditation and contracts processing.
The Household Workers Center in POEA is tasked to carry out the intents and objectives of the resolution, including strengthening protection and support mechanisms for household workers.
Recruitment must be done through licensed agencies or through direct hiring and name hiring, subject to guidelines on accreditation and contract processing formulated by the POEA.
The resolution acknowledges the fundamental equality before the law of women and men, recognizes the contributions of overseas migrant women workers, and ensures policies and programs affecting them are gender-sensitive.