Code of Practice Governing Acceptable Advertisements for Maid Agencies

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider legislating or issuing a code of practice governing acceptable advertisements for maid agencies to ensure that such advertisements are sensitive to foreign domestic helpers and do not cause confusion to consumers.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) takes a serious view of insensitive advertisements by employment agencies (EAs), which cast Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) in an undignified manner. MOM has existing guidelines on advertising practices and advisories have been issued to EAs placing MDWs.

The guidelines and advisories include, examples of acceptable advertisements and examples of advertisements to avoid, such as the use of inappropriate language.

MOM will investigate all cases of insensitive advertising by EAs and enforcement action may be taken against non-compliant EAs.