FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS

FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS: * * *

29.

Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the Ministry's considerations when screening a foreign domestic worker for employment; (b) whether a foreign domestic worker will be barred from future employment if she has a record of criminal conviction in Singapore or elsewhere; and (c) how does the Ministry screen the state of mental health of a foreign domestic worker before allowing her to work in Singapore.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Foreign domestic workers (FDW) coming to Singapore are tested for their basic ability to adapt to their working and living environment in Singapore, examined for their medical fitness and screened for any adverse records including crimes and misdemeanors.

Firstly, FDWs are required to pass an entry test before they are allowed to start work, to ensure that they can understand basic safety instructions and have basic numeracy and literacy skills to perform household tasks, and adapt to life in Singapore. This is not a test to evaluate the FDW’s mental health. However, if the FDW is able to better adapt to living and working in Singapore, the mental stress on her will be reduced.

Secondly, FDWs must also be certified medically fit by a registered medical practitioner in Singapore. The medical examination includes tests for infectious diseases and general fitness. The examining doctor will also assess the mental state of the foreign domestic worker.

Finally, FDWs who have a prior record of criminal conviction in Singapore or found to have criminal records elsewhere would be barred from employment in Singapore.

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