Considerations in Granting In-principle Approvals and Employer Liability for Migrant Domestic Workers

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry considers police and immigration records when assessing work permit applications and granting of in-principle approvals for the hiring of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and, if not, why not; and (b) whether employers remain liable for the costs of bringing MDWs into Singapore and repatriation costs when MDWs need to be repatriated for reasons beyond employers’ control.

Dr Tan See Leng: When assessing domestic work permit applications, the Ministry of Manpower will consider relevant security antecedents and adverse records, to minimise the incidence of undesirable persons being allowed to work in Singapore.

As part of the work permit conditions, employers are required to bear the cost of bringing in as well as repatriating their migrant domestic workers (MDWs). Employers are informed and are reminded of these obligations before their MDWs enter Singapore. This ensures that MDWs are not left stranded in Singapore without the means to return home upon termination of their employment. If the employment of an MDW is terminated within six months, the employment agency is required to offer a refund of at least 50% of the placement fees paid by the employer.