Written Answer by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on resolution to COVID-19 related disruptions on entry and hiring of migrant domestic workers in Singapore

NOTICE PAPER NO. 879 OF 2022 FOR THE SITTING ON 10 JANUARY 2022  

QUESTION NO. 2230 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER FOR ORAL ANSWER NOT ANSWERED BY END OF QUESTION TIME

MP: Ms Tin Pei Ling

To ask the Minister for Manpower with regard to the hiring of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Singapore (a) whether the backlog of MDWs’ entry into Singapore has been cleared; and (b) whether the costs of hiring new and transferred MDWs have stabilised or reduced over the past two months.

Answer:

The backlog of Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs)’ entry to Singapore has been cleared.

The average monthly salary of MDWs has remained fairly stable in the last two months. With the easing of the border control measures and the resulting revisions to Stay Home Notice (SHN) requirements in Singapore, the total upfront cost of hiring a new MDW has reduced slightly. For example, employers can save on the SHN cost if their houses have suitable space for their MDWs to serve the SHN instead of doing it in a local hotel.

MOM will continue to monitor the MDW inflow and hiring costs.