Employment Stability among Migrant Domestic Workers
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Hamid Razak’s inquiry into employment stability trends among migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and factors contributing to early contract cessations. Minister Dr Tan See Leng reported that the average six-month retention rate has remained stable at 64% over five years, with mismatches in job expectations and communication cited as key issues. To mitigate these challenges, the Ministry of Manpower utilizes mediation and interviews by the Centre for Domestic Employees, alongside language training provided by various voluntary welfare organisations. These initiatives assist first-time MDWs in settling into new environments and improving communication with their employers. Minister Dr Tan See Leng stated that while no new regulatory measures are planned, the Ministry of Manpower will continue monitoring trends to review policies if necessary.
Transcript
33 Dr Hamid Razak asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has assessed employment stability among migrant domestic workers (MDWs), including trends in the duration of employment and early cessations; (b) what factors affecting the employment stability of MDWs have been identified; and (c) whether any measures are being considered to support longer and more stable employment outcomes.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has been tracking the employment stability of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) based on the first six months of employment, which provides an indicator of a match between the employer and MDW. The average retention rate of MDWs who have stayed with the same employer for at least six months has been stable at around 64% for the last five years.
Early cessations of MDW contracts are typically due to mismatches in expectations of the job scope and working conditions, and communication barriers between employers and MDWs. To address these mismatches, employment agencies, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) and various voluntary welfare organisations provide important mediating support between the employer and MDW. CDE conducts two interviews for first-time MDWs during the first year of their employment, to help them settle into their new working and living environments. To help MDWs better communicate with their employers, non-profit organisations, such as the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Brahm Centre and AIDHA offer basic language training for MDWs in English and Mandarin.
MOM has no plans at present to introduce new regulatory measures for MDW employment. We will continue to monitor the trend of early cessations of MDW employment contracts and review our measures if necessary.