Complaints against Foreign Confinement Nannies for Past Two Years and Mandatory Safety Protocols and Regulations for Work Permit Applications

30 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many complaints did the Ministry receive regarding safety, fraud or negligence involving foreign confinement nannies in the past two years; (b) whether the Ministry assesses the lack of regulation on direct hires such nannies as posing public safety risks to newborns and postpartum mothers; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider introducing mandatory safety protocols for all related Work Permit applications.

Dr Tan See Leng: In 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) did not receive any complaints related to safety, fraud or negligence involving confinement nannies.

MOM regulates the employment of foreigners in Singapore through the issuance of Work Passes, including Work Permits, to allow foreigners to work in various sectors, subject to labour laws and conditions of the Work Passes as well as any prevailing standards or licensing requirements set by the relevant authorities overseeing such sectors.