Inappropriate display of foreign domestic workers ‘unacceptable’: MOM

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has said inappropriately displaying foreign domestic workers at employment agencies in Singapore, or advertising them as being “available for hire at cheap or discounted prices”, are “unacceptable” practices.

It was responding to recent Filipino media reports, based on an Al Jazeera story about the treatment of Filipino maids in Singapore.

“MOM requires employment agencies to be responsible and accord basic respect in their practices to both their clients - the employer and the foreign domestic workers - and expects them to exercise sensitivity when marketing their fees or services,” the ministry said in a statement sent to Channel NewsAsia.

The ministry also noted that the Filipino labour attaché in Singapore, Mr Vicente Cabe, had told the Straits Times that based on his observations, the Al Jazeera article “doesn’t seem to have basis”. While he saw some foreign domestic workers sitting on one side of a room at some agencies, waiting to be interviewed by clients, “it seems a bit exaggerated to say that there is anything wrong with that”.

The MOM clarified that even though the Al Jazeera article highlighted that some maids could be seen demonstrating household or care-giving chores in employment agencies, it is “not unreasonable” for foreign domestic workers to be performing such chores there, as some of the agencies have training facilities on their premises.

“The same story also suggested that some foreign domestic workers were not treated well while in their employment agencies’ care. MOM’s rules are clear that employment agencies have to ensure the well-being of foreign domestic workers in their care,” the MOM said.

The ministry said it proactively audits employment agencies in Singapore, and these agencies are informed that they are not allowed to restrict foreign domestic workers’ movements, or make them remain outside the agencies’ premises against their will.

The MOM said it will send an advisory to all employment agencies on this matter. CHANNEL NEWSASIA