Medical Insurance Coverage when Foreign Domestic Worker is Put on Special Pass
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question, raised by Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang, concerns whether mandatory medical insurance for foreign domestic workers continues when they are issued a Special Pass. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Low Yen Ling clarified that insurance remains in force between Work Permit cancellation and departure, with employers responsible for upkeep. For workers required to stay for Ministry of Manpower or Police investigations, a Special Pass is also issued. In these cases, the authorities will assist with medical treatments and pay for bills as required. This policy ensures workers are medically covered throughout their legalised stay in Singapore.
Transcript
13 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the mandatory medical insurance purchased by an employer for a domestic worker continues when the worker is put on a special pass by the Ministry or the Police; and (b) if not, who is responsible for the worker's medical bills, such as cost of consultation, prescription and procedures in those situations.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Manpower (Ms Low Yen Ling) (for the Minister for Manpower): Mr Speaker, Sir, Special Passes are issued to foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to legalise their stay in Singapore after their Work Permits have been cancelled.
When an employment contract ends, the employer is required to cancel the FDW's Work Permit before she departs Singapore. A Special Pass is granted to cover the period between the cancellation of the Work Permit and the FDW's departure from Singapore for her home country. During this period, the employer is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the FDW, including medical treatment. So, I want to assure Mr Louis Ng that the mandatory medical insurance purchased by the employer continues to be in force.
In exceptional cases, an FDW may be required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or the Police to further remain in Singapore to assist in investigations. For such cases, a Special Pass will also be issued to the FDW. MOM and the Police will assist the FDW who needs help with medical treatments, including paying for medical bills as required.
Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time. The Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the day.