FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS

FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS

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(One rest day per month): **

37.

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Manpower if he will consider legislating one rest day per month for all foreign domestic workers, thereby eliminating the possibility of employers removing the day-off clauses in employment contracts.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Ministry of Manpower is committed to safeguarding the well-being of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore. As part of our Work Permit conditions, employers are responsible for providing adequate rest for their FDWs. Employers who fail to comply with this requirement can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to six months. They will also be barred from hiring another FDW.

In addition, the employment agency accreditation bodies (AEAS and CaseTrust) have introduced a standard employment contract for FDWs since 2006. The standard contract requires employers to stipulate the number of rest days per month. Zero is not an option. Should the FDWs agree to work during their rest days, employers are required to pay their FDWs with an agreed amount of compensation. Employers cannot remove the rest day clause unilaterally.

Given the unique nature of domestic work, some households that have, for example, disabled family members who require constant attention may find it difficult to release the foreign domestic worker (FDW) for a prescribed period every month. There are also FDWs who prefer to receive additional pay in lieu of having a rest day. Therefore, allowing households the flexibility to work out an employment arrangement with their FDWs, including paying their FDWs for not taking their rest days, is a more sensible approach.

As a result of our education and enforcement efforts, together with other measures to enhance the protection of FDWs, most FDWs are happy working in Singapore according to a 2006 'Survey with Foreign Domestic Workers and Employers' conducted by MCYS. Reported cases of abuse have remained low. There is therefore no need at this point for MOM to legislate a mandatory rest day.

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