Maids to have mandatory day off & 24/7 helpline among other measures to support the wellbeing of foreign domestic workers — Gan Siow Huang

By the end of the year, foreign domestic workers in Singapore will be given a mandatory rest day and a 24/7 helpline, among other measures to help their wellbeing, said Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang on Sunday (May 22).

In July last year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that employers would be mandated by the end of 2022 to give their FDWs one day off each month, which could not be compensated away with cash. On Sunday, Ms Gan said that the day off would enable helpers to form a support network outside the household they’re working in and allow them to rest and recharge.

Ms Gan also noted that CDE has a 24/7 helpline accessible in multiple languages for helpers.

She added that MOM would be partnering with the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) and other community partners to implement more activities and programmes for domestic workers to spend their days off meaningfully.

“Migrant domestic workers are a great help in many of our households. I am glad that NTUC Singapore and CDE have put together a May Day event to acknowledge their contributions,” she said in a Facebook post.

The virtual event showcased games and performances by domestic workers.

Meanwhile, netizens have since expressed concerns about the measures, noting these should have been implemented a long time ago.

“It’s the year 2022, and Singapore labour laws are still like 30 years behind,” said Facebook user Chia Yong Jian.

“Should have implemented this a long time ago. No day off and no helpline is like slavery,” added Facebook user Zhi Ming.

One Desy Dey wondered why the changes were taking effect at the end of the year. “It’s good decision that MOM made, but I wonder why must wait until the end of the year to start it? Until now, outside there still a lot of helpers who didn’t get any chance to go off day with so many excuses given from employer,” she noted, adding they were human beings too who deserve a break in between work hours.

“Another enhancement that MOM should do is just treat maids as normal staff so that they are responsible for their own issues instead of burdening employers with losing deposits,” added Facebook user Alvin Kuo in a comment with over 240 likes. /TISG

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