Training for Migrant Domestic Workers in Caregiving for Individuals with Special Needs

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how are migrant domestic workers (MDWs) trained in caregiving for special needs individuals; (b) how are their skills assessed for adequacy in handling such tasks; (c) whether MDWs receive counselling or guidance before being assigned to such clients; and (d) whether they can reject the assignment if they do not feel confident in handling it.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Agency for Integrated Care and SG Enable work with partners from the disability sector to put in place training courses for caregivers of persons with disabilities, including individuals with special needs. Households that hire migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to care for their family members with special needs can enroll their MDWs for such training courses to equip them with the relevant skills to perform caregiving tasks. Households may tap on the Caregivers Training Grant to defray the cost of training.

To facilitate a good match, employment agencies ask employers to indicate the tasks expected of the MDW, including whether she needs to tend to specific care needs in the household. These requirements are made known to prospective MDWs, who would have the opportunity to clarify the job requirements and training that will be provided before accepting the job. Employers have to decide the type and level of care required for the family members with special needs and assess whether the MDWs they employ meet their expectations.

MDWs who are deployed to perform caregiving tasks that they are unsure of, or are uncomfortable with, should inform their employers and request for additional training or support. MDWs may also approach their employment agencies for assistance.