FOREIGN WORKERS AND WORK PERMIT HOLDERS

FOREIGN WORKERS AND WORK PERMIT HOLDERS: * * *

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(Sources of help and support): **

29.

Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) what are the different sources of help and support that are available for foreign workers and work permit holders pertaining to their welfare and the issues they face while living in Singapore; and (b) have the number of reported cases of abuse, mistreatment and improper accommodation been on the rise over the last three years.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: MOM adopts a two-pronged strategy, through education and enforcement, to protect the well-being of foreign workers in Singapore.

On education, upon their arrival, the Ministry provides foreign workers with a handbook in their native languages on their employment rights and responsibilities. The handbook also provides MOM’s helpline and other important telephone numbers, such as those of the Police, embassies, and voluntary welfare organisations, where they can seek help. MOM also conducts safety courses where foreign workers are taught the necessary safety measures and precautions relevant to their working environment. They are also reminded of their employment rights and responsibilities as well as avenues of assistance during these courses. In addition, MOM conducts regular dormitory road shows to reach out to them.

For foreign domestic workers, in particular, the Ministry also publishes a bi-annual FDW newsletter, INFORM, which is sent to all FDWs to keep them updated on relevant information. Starting last year, the Ministry conducts random interviews with first time

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FDWs, especially during their initial months of employment to determine, if they have adjusted to the work environment in Singapore. FDWs who encounter employment-related issues can also seek assistance by calling MOM’s toll-free hotline for FDWs.

On enforcement, MOM will investigate thoroughly any report on breaches of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act or any other Singapore employment laws. Employers who violate these laws can be fined up to $5,000, and/or jailed up to six months. The Ministry will also bar errant employers from employing foreign workers in future. For foreign domestic workers, the Penal Code was amended in 1998 to increase to one-and-a-half times the penalties for acts of abuse against FDWs by their employers or household members.

Over the past three years, the number of foreign workers who reported to MOM with complaints on well-being issues such as improper housing and salary arrears has remained stable, at less than half a percent of the total foreign worker population. Our approach of enforcement and education in safeguarding the well-being of foreign workers have worked well but we will continue to step up our efforts.

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