Number of Migrant Domestic Workers Suffering Injuries in Course of Work and Average Compensation Given in Last Five Years

65 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Manpower for each year over the last five years (a) how many migrant domestic workers have suffered injuries in the course of their work; and (b) what is the average compensation given to each of these migrant domestic workers.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not collect data on the number of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who suffered work-related injuries. The nature of domestic work makes it difficult to determine whether an injury sustained in the household was due to work-related activities.

However, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, employers are responsible for the basic well-being of their MDWs who work and live in their households. This includes paying for the medical expenses that their MDWs incurred in Singapore, regardless of whether the illness or injury arises from work. Employers of MDWs are also required to purchase a personal accident insurance (PAI) plan for their MDWs with a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year. The PAI provides compensation to the MDW or her family if she suffers from permanent disability or passes away due to an accident, regardless of whether it is work or non-work related.

MOM does not have claims data on the payouts to MDWs as employers purchase the PAI from insurers.