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Laws protect both FDWs and employers

Foreign manpower
  • Lianhe Zaobao (1 Sept 2018): Acts of abuse against maids are inhumane
  • Lianhe Zaobao (1 Sept 2018): Two kinds of sympathy tears for maid abuse case
  • Lianhe Zaobao (3 Sept 2018): Protect rights of both domestic helpers and employers 

Laws protect both FDWs and employers

  1. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) agrees with recent letters that the abuse of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) cannot be condoned. Singapore has a clear record of strict enforcement against abuses of FDWs.
  2. Under the Penal Code, abusers of FDWs face higher penalties. The employer of an FDW or a member of the employer’s household convicted of abusing the FDW faces higher penalties. The Court may sentence the abuser to 1.5 times the amount of punishment liable if the victim is an FDW. Those convicted will also be permanently barred from hiring FDWs.
  3. At the same time, when FDWs commit offences, they will be taken to task, including being permanently banned from working in Singapore.
  4. MOM is aware that the vast majority of employers and FDWs strive to do right by each other. To educate both FDWs and employers of their rights and responsibilities, MOM has put in place a mandatory Settling-in Programme for first-time FDWs and an Employers’ Orientation Programme for first-time employers and employers who change FDW frequently. Such programmes cover a variety of interest areas, such as building a better employment relationship, stress management and various channels to seek help. First-time FDWs are also selected to go for interviews in the first few months of their employment here to find out if they are settling in well.
  5. In response to Ms Lin’s suggestion for all first-time FDWs to undergo mandatory mental health assessment, FDWs already have to undergo a medical examination, which also gives a broad indication of the FDW’s general fitness for work, including her mental state.
  6. Members of the public who come across any distressed FDWs can play their part by notifying the authorities so that we can offer assistance quickly and as needed. They can call MOM at 6438 5122 or email mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg, or dial ‘999’ if urgent Police assistance is required. All information will be kept strictly confidential.