Supporting Psychosocial Needs of Migrant and Domestic Workers in Singapore
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the psychosocial needs of migrant and domestic workers, the drivers of their mental distress, and the extent of insurance coverage for mental health conditions. Ms Anthea Ong inquired about high-risk subgroups and support measures, prompting Minister for Manpower Mrs Josephine Teo to highlight the role of the Settling-In Programme and counseling partnerships with NGOs. The Minister noted that stress primarily stems from cultural adjustments and family separation, though no specific nationality or industry has been identified as being at a higher risk. She stated that treatment numbers at the Institute of Mental Health have remained stable and that employers are responsible for their workers' medical costs. Lastly, she clarified that while standard insurance typically excludes mental illness, employers may purchase additional riders to cover these specific healthcare expenses.
Transcript
64 Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what steps are being taken to address and support the psychosocial needs of migrant and domestic workers in Singapore; (b) what are the main drivers of their psychological distress and mental illness; (c) which subgroups, in terms of nationality and sector, are at higher risk of mental illness; and (d) whether the current insurance schemes cover them in the event of a mental health condition.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Migrant workers may experience stress arising from being away from their families and having to adjust to a new cultures and work environments. In addition, they may have left their home countries for the first time.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has put in place support measures to help foreign workers adjust to working in Singapore. These include educating them via the Settling-In Programme on matters such as Singapore's social norms, their employment rights, and stress management. In addition, MOM works with stakeholders, including NGOs, to provide recreational facilities and stress management courses. The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) and Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) also partner mental health advocacy organisations such as the Silver Ribbon to provide counselling services for foreign workers who need help.
The Institute of Mental Health sees a small number of foreign workers annually, and the trend has been stable over the past three years. Existing data does not indicate that foreign workers of a particular nationality or working in a particular industry have a higher risk of suffering mental illness.
Employers are responsible for the cost of medical treatment of their foreign workers, including expenses for mental health and mental illnesses. Medical insurance plans typically do not cover treatment for mental illness although some insurers allow employers to purchase an additional rider.