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Why it's wrong to let maids work part-time

Foreign manpower
  • The Straits Times (06 October 2010) : Why it's wrong to let maids work part-time 
  • The Straits Times (29 September 2010) : Allow maids to work part-time
Why it's wrong to let maids work part-time 
- The Straits Times, 06 October 2010  

We would like to respond to various letters on part-time work by foreign domestic workers (The Straits Times, 29 September and 1 October 2010).

2.   Permitting foreign workers to work for multiple employers would increase the risk of foreign workers lacking adequate rest or being exploited by employers. It would also make it difficult for bona fide employers to be held responsible for the worker's well being, or when the worker is injured or commits an offence under our law.

3.   A minority of employers may prefer to use the services of foreign workers illegally and avoid the obligations the law imposes on employers. We should hold such employers accountable and take them to task, rather than lower our requirements to accommodate them. Any person who illegally employs or abets the illegal employment of foreigners may face a fine of up to $15,000, or jailed up to 12 months, or both.
Allow maids to work part-time 
- The Straits Times, 29 September 2010 

The article ('Maids make good living from illegal part-time work'; Sept 13) raises two points.

First, why should it be illegal for maids to work part-time on their days off, especially when there is significant demand for part-time maids?

Second, if it is true that part-time maids can earn up to $3,000 a month, why do cleaners at hawker centres, for instance, earn less than a meagre $1,000?

Given the pressing demand for part-time help, the law should be relaxed to allow the practice.

Wouldn't it also be better for maids to work part-time and earn extra income rather than loiter on the streets on weekends and cause potential social problems?