The Migrant Workers Office in Dubai has reiterated that Filipino domestic workers must be at least 24 years old to be legally deployed abroad, following a rise in reported minimum age violations.
In Advisory No. 5, Series of 2026, issued on January 26, 2026, Migrant Workers Office Dubai reminded recruitment agencies and employers that the minimum age requirement for Filipino household workers was raised from 23 to 24 years old under POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 14, Series of 2007, and reaffirmed through POEA Advisory No. 43, Series of 2022.
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What the rule means
The policy applies to the recruitment and deployment of Filipino domestic workers bound for overseas employment, including the UAE. Any worker who does not meet the minimum age requirement cannot have their employment documents verified by the MWO.
While underage workers may still exit the UAE legally, the advisory clarified that exit clearance will not be issued if there is a minimum age violation, as required documentation will not be processed.
Penalties for violations
Under Department Circular No. 1, which sets the 2023 Department of Migrant Workers rules and regulations, agencies found violating the minimum age requirement may face serious sanctions:
- Suspension of agency accreditation for up to 60 days if found to have hired or employed a worker below the prescribed age requirement
- Cancellation of agency license, along with accessory penalties, for deploying a minor or an underage worker, classified as a serious offense
These penalties fall under Sections 108(c) and 149.I(a) of the implementing rules.
Clarification on enforcement claims
MWO Dubai also addressed claims that the rule is not being enforced. The office stated that the minimum age requirement is a long-standing policy observed by MWOs worldwide. Any allegation of non-enforcement, including those reportedly made by TADBEER centers, was described as baseless.
The advisory further warned that any misinformation related to the policy will be dealt with accordingly.
What Filipino workers and employers should know
Filipino domestic workers considering overseas employment should verify that they meet the minimum age requirement before processing documents. Employers and recruitment agencies are advised to strictly comply with existing deployment rules to avoid delays, denied clearances, or regulatory penalties.
MWO Dubai urged all parties to rely only on official advisories and to coordinate directly with the appropriate labor offices for guidance.