Written Answer to PQ on Age limit of migrant domestic workers (MDWs)

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3049 OF 2024 FOR SITTING ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
QUESTION NO. 6081 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Liang Eng Hwa

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry will review the age limit of 60 years old for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider employers’ appeals for yearly extensions of their FDWs’ work permit to work in Singapore beyond this age limit.

Answer:

As employers are responsible for the medical costs of their migrant domestic workers (MDWs) which generally increase with age, the age limit of 60 years old is to mitigate the cost impact on households. However, on appeal, the Ministry of Manpower may approve the renewal of work permits beyond the age limit, taking into account the MDWs’ health, experience, and the employer’s household needs.