Complaints Lodged by Migrant Domestic Workers against Employers for Abuse or Exploitation and Outcome of Investigations in Each of Last Five Years
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of complaints by migrant domestic workers (MDWs) for abuse and the outcomes of investigations as raised by Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng noted that between 2016 and 2020, an average of 259 MDW abuse reports were made to the Police annually. To ensure fairness, the Ministry of Manpower interviews both employers and MDWs, though the Police does not specifically track the number of frivolous or vexatious reports. MDWs who provide false information during investigations can face fines, imprisonment, and a permanent ban from working in Singapore. Between 2016 and 2020, 14 workers were warned and seven were prosecuted for false statements, with all 21 individuals debarred from local employment.
Transcript
52 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) in each of the last five years, how many complaints have been lodged by migrant domestic workers against their employers for abuse or exploitation; (b) how many have been found, after investigation, to be frivolous and vexatious; and (c) what actions have been taken against workers who make such allegations.
Dr Tan See Leng: Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 259 reports of Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) abuse were made to the Police each year. The Police investigates all such reports of abuse of MDWs. The Police does not track specifically the number of reports of abuse filed by MDWs which are frivolous or vexatious. MDWs who are found to have lodged false reports of abuse to the Police may be investigated for providing false information to a public servant. If convicted, they may be punished with up to two years’ imprisonment, fine or both.
Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), employers are required to provide due care to the MDWs working in their households. When a complaint by an MDW is received, MOM will interview the MDW and the employer to establish the facts. This is to ensure fairness to both parties.
MDWs found to have provided false information during investigations may be fined, imprisoned or both. They will also be barred from working in Singapore. Between 2016 and 2020, 14 MDWs were warned, seven prosecuted and both groups were debarred from working in Singapore, for providing false statements to MOM.