Ensuring Fair Process for Employers in Domestic Worker Disputes

50 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Manpower what is the process for investigating possible infringements in the employment of migrant domestic workers while ensuring that employers will have a fair chance at explaining their side of the dispute.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will investigate all cases of possible infringements under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act thoroughly, impartially and fairly. As part of our investigation process, MOM will speak to both the migrant domestic worker (MDW) and employer to establish the facts of the case. MOM will also review other evidence, such as CCTV recordings and accounts from witnesses, where available. Follow-up actions, if any, will be taken according to the evidence found. For instance, if there is evidence of abuse, we will refer the case to the Police for further investigation. If an MDW is found to have provided false information, she may be prosecuted and if convicted, she will also be blacklisted and banned from future employment in Singapore.