The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, or MOM, is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the labour policies related to the workforce. MOM regulates the employment of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in the country. From work permits, medical examinations to FDW employer responsibilities, MOM looks after everything related to the employment of domestic helpers in Singapore.
Starting from October 2019, MOM has started to take some measures to help employers find the best maid for their needs and reduce disputes. Here are the policies MOM has introduced to help maid agencies find accurate matches for employers.
1. Free Dispute Resolution Services
Disputes between employers, maids, or maid agencies arise when there are misunderstandings and different expectations. MOM is offering free dispute resolution services to improve the relationships between affected parties. The services will be offered by the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) in conjunction with the Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS). The services have been started in October 2019.
2. More Information on Maids
From October 2020, employers and maid agencies will have access to more information about a maid’s previous work experience. They can get information related to a maid’s employment tenure in the country, what is her job scope, household sizes she has served, and why she left the last employer. These details would help an agency to match employers with the best domestic helper in Singapore.
3. Agencies MustTake Ownership of
Matching Maids with Employers
FDWs need a work permit to work in Singaporean households. When their work permit ends, they are required to leave the country if other employers are not hiring them. Employment agencies will be informed when FDWs leave the country after the completion of their contracts. If they had left the country on a good working relationship with their past employers, agencies can bring them back to place them with other households and benefit out of it.
If a domestic helper ends an employment contract prematurely, agencies will be required to provide at least a 50% refund of the service fee to FDW employers. These two measures will help maid agencies to take greater ownership of their work and maid-employer matching outcomes. These measures will be implemented in October 2021.
Conclusion
The benefits of hiring a transfer maid
in Singapore are many, but it is a big decision for employers. Employment
agencies help Singaporeans in making the right decision about employing a
helper for their needs. MOM is extending its support to employers, maid
agencies, and domestic helpers in Singapore related to the employment of maids.
With the above-mentioned measures taken by MOM, transfer maids or domestic workers,
agencies, and employers can gain mutual benefits.
