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Written Answer by Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower, to Parliamentary Question on Work Permits for male Foreign Domestic helpers to care for male elderly disabled persons

Work passes and permits Foreign manpower

Notice Paper No.826 of 2017 For The Sitting on 11 September 2017

Question No.1414 for Oral Answer

MP: Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng

To ask the Minister for Manpower under what conditions are male foreign domestic helpers granted work permits to care for male elderly disabled persons at their residences.

Answer:

  1. MOM assesses applications to bring in male foreign domestic workers (FDWs) on a case by case basis and exercises flexibility in exceptional situations.
  2. We would assess if the family has special caregiving needs and why a male FDW may be more suitable than a female FDW. For example, a male FDW may be better at handling and caring for a male elderly disabled person who is of heavy build and who may behave aggressively. 
  3. We would also consider the prospective FDW’s nursing skillsets or experience in caregiving. In addition, he would have to meet the general eligibility criteria for FDWs.