Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Sir, foreign domestic workers deserve to be protected. They live in their employers’ homes and are potentially vulnerable to ill-treatment and abuse behind closed doors. Employers who ill-treat their workers must be punished in accordance with the law. On the other hand, some complaints are unfounded. Some employers have been victims of frivolous complaints.
Let me just take one scenario. After the worker has successfully entered Singapore at the cost of an employer, the worker makes a complaint in the hope of changing employers or a desire to return home. Based on the accounts of some employers who have been subject to investigations, they did not know what to expect of the protocol or procedures to be adopted. The investigations could take weeks and months, during which, the employer’s eligibility to hire a replacement helper would be suspended, disrupting household arrangements. In other cases, the decision may be made to take no further action against the employer. Nevertheless, an advisory might be issued to the employer not to commit offences in the future. This could happen even when the employer was never interviewed by the investigators. How does MOM balance the need to safeguard workers’ welfare and at the same time, ensure that investigations are efficient and employers are accorded due process? Will advisories serve as adverse records against employers if they wish to hire other helpers in the future?
The Minister of State for Manpower (Ms Gan Siow Huang): Next, on Migrant Domestic Workers. Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) remain an important avenue of support for many of our households. While the vast majority of MDWs and employers enjoy harmonious employment relationships, there may be occasional allegations of wrongdoing made against the MDW or the employer.
Ms Sylvia Lim asked how allegations of ill-treatment are investigated.
MOM will look into all cases that are brought to our attention. Allegations are investigated thoroughly, impartially and fairly. If there is evidence of abuse, we will refer the case to Police for investigation. If there are allegations of breaches under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, such as denial of rest day or late payment of salary, MOM will speak to both the MDW and the employer, without taking sides. We will also review other objective evidence if available, such as CCTV recordings or accounts from other witnesses, sometimes neighbours, as part of our investigation. If the allegation is substantiated, enforcement action will be taken.
On Ms Sylvia Lim’s question on whether advisories are taken into account when the Ministry determines employer suitability to employ other MDWs in the future: an advisory serves to remind the employer of their rights and responsibilities, it will not affect their eligibility to hire MDWs in the future.
While these processes may cause some inconvenience to the parties involved, they are necessary to safeguard the well-being of MDWs, especially those who are working in Singapore for the first time. It also provides an opportunity to help employers and their MDWs to resolve issues and improve their working relationship.
Mr Chairman, the Government is committed to enabling more progressive and inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully according to their unique strengths and interests. We will work hand-in-hand with our tripartite partners, employers and workers to secure a brighter future for all.
Ministry of Manpower
4 March 2024
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=budget-2369
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 